South Africa Chases Down 359 to Stun India in Raipur Run-Fest; Series Leveled 1-1
Raipur: In a batting paradise at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, South Africa pulled off a sensational run chase to defeat India by 4 wickets in the 2nd ODI. Riding on a magnificent century by Aiden Markram and twin tons from India’s Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, the match saw over 700 runs scored, with the visitors holding their nerve to level the 3-match series 1-1.
The Chase: Markram’s Masterclass
Chasing a mammoth target of 359, South Africa started shakily losing Quinton de Kock early (8). However, skipper Temba Bavuma (46) steadied the ship before falling to Prasidh Krishna. The game turned on its head with a blistering knock from Aiden Markram, who smashed 110 runs off just 98 balls (10 fours, 4 sixes), earning him the Player of the Match award.
Support came from Matthew Breetzke (68 off 64) and a fiery cameo from young Dewald Brevis (54 off 34), which included 5 massive sixes. Despite a late flurry of wickets, Corbin Bosch (29*) held his nerve to guide the Proteas home with 4 balls to spare.
First Innings: Kohli and Gaikwad Shine
Earlier, after being put in to bat, India overcame a slow start to post an imposing 358/5. Despite losing Rohit Sharma (14) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) inside the first 10 overs, Virat Kohli (102 off 93) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (105 off 83) stitched together a massive 195-run partnership.
Gaikwad was the aggressor, hitting 12 fours and 2 sixes, while Kohli anchored the innings perfectly. Late fireworks from skipper KL Rahul (66* off 43) ensured India finished strong. Marco Jansen was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa with figures of 2/63.
India vs South Africa Match Scorecard Summary
India (1st Innings): 358/5 (50 Overs)
- Ruturaj Gaikwad: 105 (83) | 12×4, 2×6
- Virat Kohli: 102 (93) | 7×4, 2×6
- KL Rahul: 66* (43) | 6×4, 2×6
- Bowling: Marco Jansen (2/63), Lungi Ngidi (1/51), Nandre Burger (1/43)
South Africa (2nd Innings): 362/6 (49.2 Overs)
- Aiden Markram: 110 (98) | 10×4, 4×6
- Matthew Breetzke: 68 (64) | 6×4, 5×6
- Dewald Brevis: 54 (34) | 3×4, 5×6
- Bowling: Arshdeep Singh (2/54), Prasidh Krishna (2/85), Harshit Rana (1/70)
Key Match Stats & Milestones
- Total Runs Scored: 720 runs were scored in 99.2 overs.
- Partnerships: The 195-run stand between Kohli and Gaikwad was the highest of the match.
- Run Rate: South Africa chased at a rate of 7.34 runs per over, eclipsing India’s 7.16.
- Fall of Wickets (SA): The visitors lost wickets at regular intervals—crucially Markram at 197 and Brevis at 289—but the lower order ensured the win.
- Injury Update: Tony de Zorzi retired hurt on 17 (11 balls).
What’s Next?
With the series tied at 1-1, the action now moves to the final ODI, which will be the series decider.
Match Details:
- Series: South Africa Tour of India, 2025
- Date: December 3, 2025
- Toss: South Africa won the toss and elected to field.
- Umpires: Rod Tucker (AUS), Rohan Pandit (IND), Sam Nogajski (AUS).
- Player of the Match: Aiden Markram (SA)
