India posts 358/5, but South Africa chase it down with thrilling late innings
India and South Africa produced an unforgettable clash in the second ODI at Raipur, with Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad delivering masterful centuries, yet the visitors clinched a four-wicket victory to level the series 1-1.
Electing to bat first once again, India set a massive target of 359 runs, posting their second-highest total against South Africa in ODIs. Kohli led from the front, scoring 102 off 90 balls, marking his 53rd ODI century and second consecutive hundred. His innings included controlled strokeplay and aggressive moments, keeping South Africa on the back foot for most of the match.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, in his breakout performance, slammed a fluent maiden ODI century off just 77 balls. The duo shared a record 195-run partnership for the third wicket, which became the highest partnership for any wicket by India against South Africa in men’s ODIs. Gaikwad’s aggressive approach complemented Kohli’s composure, providing India with a commanding total. KL Rahul added a late flourish with an unbeaten 66 to bolster the score.
Despite India’s batting heroics, South Africa fought back brilliantly. Dewald Brevis and Matthew Breetzke orchestrated a rapid 92-run partnership off 64 balls, shifting the momentum in favor of the visitors. Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram played crucial roles, with Markram scoring a well-paced century (110 runs), holding the innings together while steadily keeping the chase on track.
Corbin Bosch’s unbeaten 26 off 15 deliveries ultimately sealed the chase, finishing the match with four wickets in hand and leveling the series. India’s bowlers, including Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, and Harshit Rana, made significant contributions, but South Africa’s composure under pressure ensured they overcame India’s formidable target.
This match highlighted both India’s batting depth and South Africa’s resilience. Kohli now holds the record for 11 instances of back-to-back ODI hundreds, while Gaikwad set a new benchmark by achieving his maiden century after 17 List A hundreds, the most for any batter at the time of their first ODI ton.
Despite India’s strong total, the encounter underscored the competitive balance in the series and promises a thrilling decider in the next ODI. Fans can expect high-octane cricket and record-breaking performances as the series continues.
Table of Key Stats:
| Player | Runs | Balls | Notable Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 102 | 90 | 53rd ODI century, 11th back-to-back ODI tons |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | 105 | 77 | Maiden ODI century, 17 List A hundreds before ODI ton |
| KL Rahul | 66* | — | Stabilized innings at end |
| Aiden Markram | 110 | 88 | Century to guide SA chase |
| Dewald Brevis | 54 | 34 | Key partnership with Breetzke |
| Matthew Breetzke | 38 | — | Partnership with Brevis |
