2nd ODI: Virat, Ruturaj centuries go in vain as South Africa gun down 359 in dewy Raipur

Kohli, Gaikwad Hundreds Not Enough as South Africa Chase 359 to Level Series in Raipur

Virat Kohli’s 53rd ODI century and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s maiden three-figure score thrilled the Raipur crowd on a dewy Wednesday evening, but India still fell short as South Africa successfully chased 359 to level the three-match series 1-1. India’s poor fielding and inability to accelerate in the final five overs proved costly, despite knowing that dew would heavily impact the second innings.

KL Rahul’s frustration at losing the toss became apparent as India struggled to defend a total that seemed competitive on paper. After defending 349 in the series opener in Ranchi, India knew a slightly higher total was needed in Raipur but could not deliver, conceding at least 25 extra runs due to fielding lapses and a damp outfield, with even Ravindra Jadeja finding the conditions tricky.

Record Chase for South Africa
South Africa matched the record for the highest successful chase by a visiting team in India, equaling Australia’s 359-run chase in Mohali in 2019. Kohli and Gaikwad shared a scintillating 195-run partnership, featuring crisp boundaries and smart running, but South Africa’s batters matched them with power hitting and exploited the dewy conditions.

Aiden Markram’s 110 off 98 balls, Dewald Brevis’s 54 from 34 balls, and Matthew Breetzke’s steady 68 guided the Proteas to victory with four balls to spare. Markram’s innings, featuring 10 boundaries and four sixes, made him the first South African opener since 2010 to score an ODI century in India. He fell to a slower ball from Harshit Rana in the 30th over.

India’s bowlers struggled with the wet ball, which required two replacements during the chase. Brevis and Breetzke added 92 runs in just 69 balls for the fourth wicket before Brevis fell to Kuldeep Yadav in the 41st over, briefly giving India a chance. Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana were unable to contain the runs, highlighting the inexperience of India’s pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Arshdeep Singh impressed with control, dismissing Marco Jansen in the 45th over.

Injuries further complicated South Africa’s chase. Tony de Zorzi left the field with a hamstring issue, while No. 11 Nandre Burger had already suffered an injury while bowling. Corbin Bosch held his nerve, hitting an unbeaten finish to guide South Africa home in the final over.

India Lacked Finishing Firepower
Despite Kohli and Gaikwad reaching centuries, India could not convert their innings into a match-winning total. South Africa, in contrast, maintained a strong tempo through the middle overs. KL Rahul’s 66 off 43 balls was a lone effort in the death overs, while Washington Sundar managed just one run from eight deliveries. Ravindra Jadeja contributed only 24 from 27 balls after walking in at the 50th over, adding to India’s woes.

The series decider is now set for Saturday, December 6, in Visakhapatnam.