South Africa Achieves Historic ODI Chase to Equal Series Against India
Proteas Achieve Record Chase to Level Series
In a thrilling encounter, South Africa's opener Aiden Markram scored a century, supported by vital half-centuries from Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis, enabling the team to chase down a formidable target of 359 runs against India in the second ODI of their three-match series on Thursday.
India Sets a Challenging Target
The Proteas applied pressure from the outset, matching the record for the highest successful chase in ODIs against India. Previously, Australia had achieved this feat in Mohali in March 2019, successfully chasing 359 runs with Ashton Turner scoring an unbeaten 84 off 43 balls.
This match marked South Africa's third successful chase of 350 or more runs, tying them with India for the most such chases in ODI history. The total runs scored in this match surpassed the previous record of 681 runs set in Ranchi on Sunday.
Kohli and Gaikwad Shine for India
Batting first, India faced early setbacks, finding themselves at 62 for 2 after losing Rohit Sharma (14) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (22). However, Virat Kohli (102 runs off 93 balls, including seven fours and two sixes) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (105 runs off 83 balls, with 12 fours and two sixes) formed a formidable partnership of 195 runs for the third wicket, putting India in a strong position. KL Rahul (66* off 43 balls, with seven fours and two sixes) and Ravindra Jadeja (24* off 27 balls, with two fours) added a quick 69-run partnership for the sixth wicket, finishing the innings at 358 runs. Marco Jansen was the standout bowler for South Africa with figures of 2 for 63.
South Africa's Strategic Chase
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Decisive Final Overs
Despite injuries to Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi easing the pressure on India, Keshav Maharaj (10*) and Corbin Bosch (25*) guided South Africa to a memorable victory with four wickets remaining and four balls to spare. Arshdeep Singh was India's best bowler with 2 for 54, while Harshit Rana's performance suffered after a poor over, and Prasidh Krishna's figures of 82 runs in 8.2 overs were detrimental to India's chances.
With the series now tied at 1-1, an exciting decider is set for Saturday.