Durban, Feb 1: Making a solid start to the six-match One Day International series, India crushed South Africa with a thumping six-wicket victory in the 1st ODI. The Virat Kohli-led men, forced to bowl first, restricted South Africa for 269/8 in 50 overs. In return, Kohli and company chased down the total in 45.3 overs.

Kohli received the man of the match award for his impressive ton. The man-in-form scored 112 (119) as he played the sheet anchor role to take the team across the victory line.

For South Africa, none of bowlers succeeded in ruffling feathers for the Indian batsmen. The men-in-blue stayed on top since the beginning when they came to bat, keeping the required run-rate well under control. Andile Phehlukwayo was the most decent among the lot, striking 2 wickets and conceding 42 runs in his 8-over spell.

Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav proved to be the most lethal weapon in the Indian bowling arsenal. The left-arm chinaman struck 3/34 in his 10-over spell, followed by Yuzvendra Chahal who bagged 2/45.

India's victory in the first ODI will push the Proteas on the backfoot for the remainder of the six-match series. The win is also marks the first-ever for Team India in Durban ever since 1992.

The victory also takes the Indian team the to no.1 spot in the International Cricket Council rankings for ODIs.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 02, 2018 12:08 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).