South Africa pulled off a thrilling chase of 362 in Raipur to beat India by four wickets and level the ODI series 1-1. Despite superb centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, Aiden Markram’s composed hundred, along with key contributions from Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis, helped the visitors overhaul India’s strong total under heavy dew. The chase equalled the joint-highest successful pursuit against India in men’s ODIs.
India, forced to bat first after losing their 20th consecutive toss in ODIs, posted 358 for 5. The innings began brightly, but Rohit Sharma fell early to Nandre Burger, and Marco Jansen bounced out Yashasvi Jaiswal. Kohli and Gaikwad then took control with a superb 195-run stand for the third wicket. Gaikwad mixed innovation with powerful strokeplay to reach his maiden ODI hundred, while Kohli cruised to his second consecutive century and the 11th time he has achieved back-to-back tons in ODIs. Late in the innings, KL Rahul’s unbeaten 66 lifted India past 350.
South Africa’s chase began with early pressure from the Indian pacers. Arshdeep Singh removed Quinton de Kock, and Harshit Rana troubled Markram with probing lengths. But Markram steadied the innings with Temba Bavuma in a century stand. After Bavuma fell to Prasidh Krishna, Markram accelerated, taking on the spinners and reaching his hundred off 88 balls. A dropped chance by Jaiswal on 53 proved costly, as Markram continued to dominate.
Breetzke and Brevis kept the chase on track with aggressive half centuries, pushing South Africa ahead of the required rate. A brief wobble followed when both fell in quick succession along with Jansen, bringing the equation to 37 needed off 33 balls. To complicate matters, Tony de Zorzi hobbled off injured, leaving South Africa two batters down.
However, Corbin Bosch played a fearless cameo, and Keshav Maharaj held his nerve at the other end. Their calm partnership ensured South Africa crossed the finish line with four balls remaining, silencing the packed 60,000-strong home crowd and setting up a series decider in Visakhapatnam.
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