South Africa outclassed India by four wickets in the thrilling second ODI of the three-match series at Raipur. Three superb centuries were scored, and 720 runs were made in the match. After being invited to bat, India posted a huge total of 358/5 in 50 overs. Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad hit splendid centuries, while KL Rahul scored a blazing half-century and remained unbeaten till the end. Marco Jansen (2/63 in 10 overs) was the most successful South African bowler.
While chasing, South Africa reached the target with the help of a blazing century by Aiden Markram and rapid half-centuries from Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis. Corbin Bosch finished the chase with a boundary. With this victory, South Africa levelled the series 1-1.
Kohli and Gaikwad power India to a huge total
Virat Kohli cruised to his second straight century, while Ruturaj Gaikwad smashed his first ODI hundred as India posted an imposing 358 for 5 in front of nearly 60,000 fans in Raipur. The crowd expected the score to be safe even with dew settling in, but South Africa had other plans.
India’s problems started even before the match began. They lost the toss for the 20th straight time in ODIs, and KL Rahul made his frustration clear. After being asked to bat, India raced to 40 without loss in the first five overs, helped by 13 runs in wides. Although South African bowlers found some movement, their lack of control allowed early runs.
Nandre Burger dismissed Rohit Sharma for 14, and Marco Jansen removed Yashasvi Jaiswal for 22 with a sharp bouncer. However, Gaikwad and Kohli quickly settled in and took charge. Kohli opened his account with a pulled six and kept rotating the strike aggressively. Gaikwad responded with attacking strokes, including brave sweeps and powerful hits over the off side.
Gaikwad moved from fifty to a hundred in just 25 balls, marking his 18th List A century and first in ODIs as a non-opener. He showed his flexibility after being picked ahead of other middle-order options. Together, he and Kohli added 195 runs for the third wicket before Jansen finally dismissed Gaikwad for 105.
Kohli continued in full flow and notched up another century, his second in a row and the 11th time he achieved back-to-back hundreds in ODIs. Lungi Ngidi eventually dismissed him for 102 in the 40th over. When Washington Sundar got run out, India slipped to 289 for 5. However, KL Rahul took control in the death overs and finished unbeaten on 66 from 43 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja supported with an unbeaten 24. India crossed the 350 mark comfortably.
Markram and dew turn the game around
South Africa began the chase cautiously but lost Quinton de Kock early to Arshdeep Singh. Meanwhile, Aiden Markram played patiently and built a strong stand with Temba Bavuma. After Bavuma fell, Markram continued to anchor the innings despite pressure from Indian bowlers.
India missed a huge chance when Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped Markram on 53. The ball slipped through his hands and went for six. After that lifeline, Markram attacked Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja with clean sixes. He later brought up his hundred in style from 88 balls. On a day with three centuries, his proved to be the most decisive.
Harshit Rana finally dismissed Markram with a clever slower ball, but by then, the damage was done. Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis stepped in and began an explosive partnership. Brevis raced to his maiden ODI fifty, while Breetzke continued his excellent run of form by scoring yet another fifty-plus knock.
Late drama before a calm finish
Just when South Africa seemed in total control, they lost Breetzke and Marco Jansen in quick succession. Tony de Zorzi also walked off with a possible hamstring injury, adding to the drama. At one stage, South Africa needed 27 runs from 30 balls with four wickets left.
However, Corbin Bosch took charge with attacking intent, and Keshav Maharaj provided calm support. Together, they guided South Africa home with four balls to spare. Their steady partnership sealed a memorable win and silenced the crowd. This became the joint-highest successful chase against India in ODIs and South Africa’s third-highest ever.