South Africa Triumphs Over India in High-Scoring ODI Showdown

In a gripping second ODI, South Africa triumphed over India by four wickets, leveling the series at 1-1. Aiden Markram's stellar century, supported by solid performances from Breetzke and Brevis, led the Proteas to chase down India's formidable total of 358 runs. India had earlier set the stage with impressive centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli. The match showcased thrilling moments, including crucial partnerships and tense finishes, making it a memorable encounter for cricket fans.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 3, 2025, 22:42 IST

South Africa Levels Series with Thrilling Victory

In a nail-biting encounter, South Africa secured a four-wicket win against India in the second ODI held in Raipur on Wednesday. Aiden Markram's impressive 110 off 98 balls, along with solid contributions from Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis, helped the Proteas equalize the series at 1-1.

India set a formidable target of 358 runs, thanks to centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad (105 runs off 83 balls) and Virat Kohli (102 runs off 93 balls), alongside a notable 66 not out from KL Rahul. However, Markram's explosive innings, featuring 10 fours and 4 sixes, was pivotal in South Africa's chase.

India's fielding lapses, including dropped catches and a costly bowling performance from Prasidh Krishna, who conceded 82 runs in just over eight overs, proved detrimental.

Markram's Stellar Performance Guides the Chase

During the chase for 359 runs, South Africa started aggressively, with Markram hitting three boundaries in the second over. However, the early partnership was broken at 26 runs when Washington Sundar caught Quinton de Kock off Arshdeep Singh's bowling.

Captain Temba Bavuma joined Markram, and together they reached 50 runs in just under 10 overs. Markram reached his half-century in 52 balls, and despite a dropped catch, he continued to dominate the Indian bowlers.

Markram's century came off 88 balls, marking his fourth ODI ton and first as an opener. He was eventually dismissed for 110 runs, leaving South Africa at 197/3.

Brevis and Breetzke Keep the Momentum Going

South Africa crossed the 200-run mark in the 31st over, with Brevis and Breetzke capitalizing on India's bowling. Breetzke reached his sixth ODI fifty in just 49 balls, while Brevis completed his maiden ODI fifty in 33 balls.

Despite losing Brevis to Kuldeep Yadav, who took a catch near the boundary, South Africa remained in contention, needing only 48 runs to win with several overs left.

A Tense Finish to the Match

As the match progressed, South Africa reached 300 runs in the 42nd over. However, they lost Breetzke for 68 runs, leaving them with 42 runs to chase in 37 balls.

In a thrilling climax, South Africa managed to chase down the target, finishing at 362/6 in 50 overs, with Keshav Maharaj and Bosch remaining not out. Arshdeep Singh was the standout bowler for India, but the team's overall performance was marred by poor bowling spells.

India's Batting Highlights

Earlier, India posted a total of 358/5, driven by a remarkable partnership of 195 runs between Gaikwad and Kohli. KL Rahul also contributed significantly towards the end of the innings.

After being put to bat first, India faced early setbacks but recovered well, with both Gaikwad and Kohli reaching their centuries. Their efforts were complemented by a late flourish from Rahul and Jadeja, who helped India surpass the 350-run mark.

Match Summary

In summary, India scored 358/5, with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli both scoring centuries, while South Africa chased down the target with a score of 362/6, led by Aiden Markram's outstanding century.