Aiden Markram became the first visiting South African opener in a decade to score an ODI century on Indian soil, crafting a superb 110 in the second ODI in Raipur on Wednesday.
The landmark was significant on multiple fronts: no South African opener had reached three figures in India since Quinton de Kock in 2015, and it was Markram’s first ODI hundred in 25 innings as an opener, with all his previous three tons coming from No. 4.
Having fallen early in Ranchi, Markram walked out in Raipur with clearer intent. He absorbed the early movement, played within himself, and only expanded his stroke-play once conditions eased. The evening dew worked in his favour too, allowing the ball to skid onto the bat as he kept South Africa in the hunt during a demanding chase of 359.
Markram marched into the 90s with authority, moving to 99 with a searing straight drive off Ravindra Jadeja before a gentle push to long-on brought up his century off 88 balls. There were no extravagant celebrations — South Africa still needed 182 from 23 overs with eight wickets in hand.
But his dismissal proved pivotal. Harshit Rana, battling slippery conditions, slipped in a deceptive off-cutter that Markram dragged to Ruturaj Gaikwad at long-on. It was a crucial breakthrough for India and underlined Rana’s rising value as a bowler capable of striking with both the new and old ball.
Earlier, the Proteas made a tentative start, losing de Kock for 8 in the fifth over before Temba Bavuma steadied the innings. The captain added 101 with Markram, scoring 46 off 48 balls, but fell while trying to accelerate. Matthew Breetzke, fresh off a lively 72 in the series opener, kept the momentum going, yet Markram’s exit shifted the complexion of the chase. South Africa reached 197 for 3 after 30 overs — still close, but with the required rate climbing and India regaining control at a decisive moment.
Comments are closed.