Ind vs SA 2nd ODI : Markram's Ton Trump India’s Gaikwad-Kohli Centuries in Nervy Chase
In a pulsating high-scoring encounter at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur on December 3, 2025, South Africa registered a sensational four-wicket win over India to level the three-match ODI series 1-1. Batting first, India posted a massive total of 358/5, thanks to well-crafted centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad (105) and captain Virat Kohli (102). However, South Africa’s response was equally emphatic as Aiden Markram led the chase with an unbeaten 110 to guide the visitors home with two balls to spare at 362/6, handing India their highest ODI chase defeat on home soil.
India's Batting Brilliance: Gaikwad and Kohli Anchor a Big Total
India’s innings got off to a rocky start as Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal fell cheaply, leaving the visitors on the back foot at 62/2. Ruturaj Gaikwad, celebrating his maiden ODI century, anchored the innings with a composed 105, blending elegance with aggression. His stroke play, filled with crisp drives and inventive shots, helped steady the innings and build momentum.
Virat Kohli, always dependable in crucial games, complemented Gaikwad brilliantly. Kohli’s fluent century was his 53rd in ODIs and featured classical timing and patience against a spin-heavy South African bowling attack. The pair stitched a record third-wicket partnership of 195 runs that propelled India to a commanding position.
Lower down the order, KL Rahul provided a valuable finishing touch with 66* off just 43 balls, smashing boundaries and sixes to ensure India crossed 350. Despite good efforts from the bowlers, South Africa struggled to contain the relentless Indian run-rate, especially in the death overs where Corbin Bosch leaked 18 runs in one over.
South Africa’s Chase: Markram’s Captain’s Knock and Lower Order Grit
South Africa’s chase started cautiously, with wickets falling regularly but steady contributions from key batters like Matthew Breetzke (68) providing stability. Dewald Brevis played a crucial cameo with 54 runs off 34 balls, swinging momentum South Africa’s way with powerful hitting that included two back-to-back sixes off Harshit Rana.
Aiden Markram, captaining the side, played a captain’s innings, seamlessly rotating strike and accelerating when required. His unbeaten 110 was composed, measured, and impactful, guiding South Africa closer to the massive target. Markram’s 72-ball century was pivotal in keeping the chase alive against a high-quality Indian bowling attack.
Despite late wickets from Kuldeep Yadav and a spirited effort from Arshdeep Singh, South Africa’s lower order, including Corbin Bosch (22*) and Keshav Maharaj (9*), held their nerve to cross the winning line with two balls to spare. India’s fielding lapses cost extra runs, with unnecessary overthrows and misfields in key moments easing South Africa’s pursuit.
Key Performances
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Scored a composed maiden ODI century (105) that anchored India’s innings after an early collapse to 62/2. His elegant strokeplay formed a record 195-run third-wicket stand with Kohli, setting the platform for 358/5.
Virat Kohli
Delivered his 53rd ODI ton (102) with fluent timing against spin, complementing Gaikwad perfectly. The partnership rescued India and showcased his class on a flat Raipur track.
KL Rahul
Provided explosive finishing with 66* off 43 balls, smashing boundaries and sixes in the death overs. His late surge pushed India past 350 against leaking Proteas bowlers.
Aiden Markram
Played a captain’s knock with an unbeaten 110 in a high-pressure chase of 359. Rotated strike masterfully and accelerated to guide South Africa home by 4 wickets.
Matthew Breetzke
Steady 68 stabilized the chase after top-order wobbles, forming crucial partnerships. His composure kept the required rate in check during tense phases.
Dewald Brevis
Blazed 54 off 34 balls with two back-to-back sixes off Rana, injecting momentum into the pursuit. His fiery cameo shifted pressure back onto India.
What this means for the series
This nail-biting contest highlighted the strengths and weaknesses for both sides heading into the series decider. India demonstrated their batting depth but will rue missed chances in the field, while South Africa showed grit and composure chasing a huge target on Indian soil. With the series now tied 1-1, anticipation builds for the final ODI, which promises another exciting battle.
