Former captains Kohli (135) and Rohit Sharma (57), both retired from tests and T20 internationals, thrilled the Ranchi crowd with a 136-run stand for the second wicket, helping India reach 349-8 on a pitch favorable to batting.

South Africa had a disastrous start as Harshit Rana dismissed Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock for ducks, then Arshdeep Singh removed Aiden Markram (7) caught behind by keeper Rahul in the fifth over, leaving them 11-3.

However, Matthew Breetzke (72) and Marco Jansen (70 off 39 balls) revived South Africa's innings, bringing the score to 227-5 before Kuldeep Yadav (4-68) dismissed both in the 34th over.

South Africa required 50 runs from the final six overs with two wickets remaining, but the Indian bowlers prevented Corbin Bosch and Nandre Burger from scoring any boundaries over the next two overs, compelling Burger to take a risky big hit that resulted in a catch by the keeper.

Bosch (67 off 51) reached his first fifty, but his valiant effort ended in the last over when he was caught attempting a big shot, concluding South Africa's innings at 332.

The teams will meet again on Wednesday in Raipur.