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India vs South Africa Ranchi ODI: India vs South Africa Ranchi ODI: India's batting maestro Virat Kohli conjured up a vintage performance, shushing pundits with a marvellous century against South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Sunday.

The Indian batting icon's flawless technique and unyielding determination showed cricket pundits that he is still one of the finest batters of modern-day cricket.

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The veteran reached the milestone in 102 balls, his bat firing on all cylinders with seven boundaries and five sixes. It was Chasemater's third ODI century in Ranchi.

Kohli steadfastly eschewed risk and played with calculated intent, coaxing singles and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

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The moment of the hundred was shortly interrupted as a pitch invader ran onto the field towards Kohli, but the security quickly escorted him away. The invasion couldn't dampen the electric atmosphere as the moment Kohli reached the milestone mark with a four, it unleashed a deafening roar across the JSCA Stadium.

The former Indian skipper etched his name in the record books, bringing up his 52nd ODI century, a feat that also makes him the batter with the most centuries in the 50-over format.

Legendary Sachin Tendulkar's remarkable tally of 49 ODI centuries and 51 Test centuries had made him the first batter to score 100 international hundreds. Now, Kohli has surpassed his idol's feat in the ODI format with his 52nd century in the format.

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Earlier, Rohit and Kohli forged a vital partnership, darning together a 136-run stand in just 109 balls to steady the ship after Yashasvi Jaiswal's early departure.

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