Virat Kohli's Century Not Enough as India Falls to South Africa in ODI

In a thrilling ODI match in Raipur, India suffered a four-wicket defeat to South Africa, marking the end of a long winning streak for Virat Kohli. Despite Kohli's impressive century, South Africa's strong batting performance led them to chase down a target of 359 runs. This loss was significant as it was the first time since 2019 that Kohli's century did not result in a victory for India. The match showcased remarkable performances from both teams, setting the stage for an exciting decider on Saturday. Read on for a detailed breakdown of the match highlights and player performances.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 4, 2025, 01:52 IST

India's ODI Streak Ends with Loss to South Africa

In Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India's recent four-wicket defeat to South Africa in the second ODI marked the end of a remarkable streak that lasted since 2019. This match saw Virat Kohli, despite scoring a century, face his first loss in an ODI after six years and nine months.

Kohli captivated the audience with a stunning 102 runs off 93 balls, featuring seven boundaries and two sixes, achieving a strike rate exceeding 109. However, his impressive performance was overshadowed by Aiden Markram's 110 runs off 98 balls and solid contributions from Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis, leading South Africa to a challenging target of 359 runs—the joint-highest chase against India in ODIs.

The last time India lost an ODI with Kohli scoring a century was back in March 2019, when his remarkable 123 runs in 95 balls fell short against Australia, who set a target of 314 runs.

From that match until the day before the Raipur ODI, Kohli amassed 11 more ODI centuries in 55 innings, totaling 2,834 runs at an impressive average of 67.47.

Kohli is celebrated as one of India's finest match-winners, with 44 of his 53 ODI centuries contributing to victories. Notably, 24 of these centuries were scored while chasing, where he has accumulated 6,072 runs at an average of 89.29. Only eight of his ODI centuries have come in losing efforts.

In 2023, Kohli has played 12 ODIs, scoring 586 runs at an average of 58.60, including three centuries and three fifties, with a top score of 135.

In the Raipur match, India batted first after being put in by South Africa, struggling at 62/2 with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal dismissed early. Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad then formed a formidable partnership, adding 195 runs for the third wicket, with Ruturaj scoring 105 runs off 83 balls. KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja later contributed to a quick 69-run partnership.

Marco Jansen was the standout bowler for South Africa, taking 2 wickets for 63 runs.

South Africa's chase began with a few early boundaries, losing Quinton de Kock quickly. However, Temba Bavuma and Markram stabilized the innings with a 101-run partnership. Markram's fourth ODI century, scored at a brisk pace, was pivotal, and partnerships with Breetzke and Brevis ultimately secured the win for South Africa, despite injuries to Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi.

Arshdeep Singh was India's best bowler with 2 wickets for 54 runs, while Prasidh Krishna's disappointing figures of 82 runs in 8.2 overs were crucial in the match's outcome.

An exciting decider is set for Saturday.