IND vs SA: The second ODI between India and South Africa at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur turned into a high-scoring thriller, with the visitors pulling off their biggest-ever ODI win against India. Chasing a massive 359, South Africa stitched together a near-perfect batting display to clinch a four-wicket victory and level the series 1-1.
India Post a Mammoth Total, Thanks to Kohli and Gaikwad
After Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bowl, India didn’t quite get the start they wanted. Rohit Sharma (14) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) fell early, putting pressure on the middle order.
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But Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad completely flipped the script with a stunning partnership. Kohli’s fluent 102 and Gaikwad’s superb 105 at No. 4 rebuilt the innings with class and composure.
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KL Rahul provided the late-innings spark, smashing an unbeaten 66 off just 43 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with an unbeaten 24. Their finishing touch powered India to a commanding 358/5 in 50 overs.
Marco Jansen was the pick of the South African bowlers with two wickets, though he, like the rest, endured a tough outing.
Markram Leads the Charge as South Africa Script Historic Chase
Chasing a target of this size needs a solid start, and South Africa got exactly that. Aiden Markram anchored the innings brilliantly with a captain’s knock of 110 off 98, mixing calmness with controlled aggression. Bavuma contributed a valuable 46, keeping the scoreboard moving.
The momentum never dipped thanks to Matthew Breetzke’s 68 and Dewald Brevis’ explosive 54, which swung the game firmly in South Africa’s favor.
Quinton de Kock and Marco Jansen had off days, but Corbin Bosch ensured there were no late hiccups. His rapid 29 off 15 balls sealed the chase with confidence and helped the visitors notch up a memorable four-wicket win.
This successful chase of 359 now stands as South Africa’s biggest ODI victory over India.
India’s Bowling Falters Under Pressure
For India, Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna took two wickets apiece. However, Krishna struggled with control and conceded far too many runs, which hurt India at crucial stages. The spinners couldn’t create enough pressure either, allowing South Africa’s batters to rotate strike freely.
Series Set for a Cracker of a Decider
With the series now level at 1-1, the final ODI promises to be a tense, high-stakes clash. Both teams have shown their strengths, India with the bat, and South Africa with a composed, clinical chase.