South Africa Win High-Octane 2nd ODI to Level Series
Raipur, India – December 3, 2025: In a spectacular run-fest at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, South Africa defeated India by four wickets to level the three-match ODI series at 1-1. Chasing a mammoth target of 359, the Proteas completed their highest successful chase on Indian soil with just four balls to spare, driven by a masterful century from Aiden Markram.
India’s Innings: Tons by Kohli and Gaikwad Set the Stage
Winning the toss and electing to field, South Africa faced a formidable Indian batting lineup. Despite losing openers Rohit Sharma (14) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) relatively early, the innings was anchored by a record-breaking 195-run partnership for the third wicket between Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
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Virat Kohli continued his sublime form, smashing his 53rd ODI century (102 off 93 balls), his second consecutive ton of the series.
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Ruturaj Gaikwad registered his maiden ODI century (105 off 83 balls), showcasing a blend of class and aggression.
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Stand-in skipper KL Rahul provided the late fireworks, hitting a blistering 66* off just 43 balls to propel India to a daunting total of 358 for 5 in their 50 overs.
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Marco Jansen was the pick of the South African bowlers with 2/63.
South Africa Chase: Markram Masterclass Trumps Indian Bowlers
Facing a daunting task, the Proteas’ chase was relentless and clinical, capitalizing heavily on the night dew that made life incredibly difficult for the Indian bowlers, particularly the spinners.
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Aiden Markram played the anchor role brilliantly, notching up his first ODI century against India (110 off 98 balls). He was given an early reprieve on 53, which proved costly.
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Markram shared a crucial 101-run stand with skipper Temba Bavuma (46) for the second wicket, setting the platform.
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Following Markram’s dismissal, the young duo of Matthew Breetzke (68) and the explosive Dewald Brevis (54 off 34 balls, including 5 sixes) added a rapid 92 runs, ensuring the required run rate remained in check.
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Despite late wickets from Arshdeep Singh (2/54) and Prasidh Krishna (2/85), the calmness of Corbin Bosch (29* off 15) and Keshav Maharaj (10* off 14) guided South Africa past the finish line at 362 for 6 in 49.2 overs.
Key Match Statistics
| Team | Innings | Score (Overs) | Best Batsman | Best Bowler | Result |
| India | 1st | 358/5 (50 ov) | R. Gaikwad (105) | M. Jansen (2/63) | Lost |
| South Africa | 2nd | 362/6 (49.2 ov) | A. Markram (110) | P. Krishna (2/85) | Won by 4 Wickets |
Player of the Match: Aiden Markram (South Africa)
All Eyes on Visakhapatnam
With the series tied at 1-1, the stage is perfectly set for a winner-take-all contest. The decisive third ODI will be played on Saturday in Visakhapatnam. Can India’s batsmen overcome the dew factor, or will South Africa’s fearless chasing unit clinch a historic series victory? It promises to be a thriller!
also read:-VIRAT KOHLI साल बाद घरेलू मैदान पर लौटेंगे : विजय हजारे ट्रॉफी के लिए
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