Raipur, Dec 3 (UNI) In a breathtaking contest at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, South Africa completed a dramatic four-wicket win over India in the second ODI of the ongoing series, leveling the three-match contest 1-1.
The chase of 359, one of the highest successful run chases by South Africa in ODIs, was anchored by a brilliant century from Aiden Markram (110 off 98 balls), who was named Player of the Match, and a late-innings blitz from Corbin Bosch, whose unbeaten 29 off 15 deliveries proved decisive.
India posted a formidable 358 for five in their 50 overs after being sent in to bat, thanks to sublime centuries from Virat Kohli (102 off 93 balls) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (105 off 83 balls), and a blistering 66 not out from KL Rahul.
The trio stitched together partnerships of 195 and 27 runs, keeping the scoreboard ticking at a brisk pace and setting a daunting target.
Kohli, continuing his rich vein of form, brought up his 53rd ODI century, following his previous hundred in Ranchi, while Gaikwad produced a composed yet aggressive maiden ODI hundred, punctuated by 12 boundaries and 2 sixes.
The Indian innings, however, was punctuated by early breakthroughs. Yashasvi Jaiswal fell cheaply for 22, and Rohit Sharma (14) was dismissed in the fourth over despite a flurry of boundaries early on.
Washington Sundar’s run out at 41 overs, as well as Kohli’s dismissal at 39.1 overs, were pivotal moments, but Rahul’s late flourish, including a six off Corbin Bosch in the 49.5th over, pushed India to a competitive total of 358/5.
Chasing 359, South Africa faced early jitters. Quinton de Kock (8) was dismissed by Arshdeep Singh, and Temba Bavuma (46) fell to Prasidh Krishna in the 20th over. However, the innings found stability through Markram and Matthew Breetzke (68 off 64 balls), who kept the required run rate under check and scored rapidly against the Indian spinners.
Dewald Brevis (54 off 34 balls) and Tony de Zorzi (17 retired hurt) ensured the South African chase stayed alive, with their aggressive strokeplay taking the pressure off the set batsmen.
It was Bosch’s cameo at the death overs that ultimately tilted the match in South Africa’s favor. With the target looming large and India threatening a comeback with wickets in successive overs, Bosch’s composure under pressure was remarkable.
The victory was South Africa’s third-highest successful chase in ODIs and showcased their ability to execute under pressure. For India, the match highlighted outstanding individual performances, but a combination of missed chances in the field and costly final-over bowling lapses proved decisive.
With the series now tied 1-1, the stage is set for a thrilling decider in the third ODI, where both teams will look to assert dominance in this high-scoring encounter.
Match Summary:
India: 358/5 (50 overs); Ruturaj Gaikwad 105 (83), Virat Kohli 102 (93), KL Rahul 66 not out (43); South Africa: 362/6 (49.2 overs); Aiden Markram 110 (98), Matthew Breetzke 68 (64), Dewald Brevis 54 (34), Corbin Bosch 29 not out (15)
Player of the Match: Aiden Markram (South Africa)
