In a breathtaking one-day international at Naya Raipur, South Africa completed one of the highest run chases in ODI history, surpassing India’s 358-5 to win by four wickets with just four balls remaining. The thrilling victory also leveled the three-match series at 1-1.

Star Performances: Markram Leads the Charge

Aiden Markram was the hero for South Africa, scoring a brilliant 110 off 98 balls from the top of the order, marking his fourth ODI century. Markram’s innings was pivotal, featuring two major partnerships: 101 runs with captain Temba Bavuma (46) and 70 runs with Matthew Breetzke (68).

Markram’s dismissal, caught by Ruturaj Gaikwad off Harshit Rana, brought in Dewald Brevis, who smashed a quick 54 from 34 balls to keep South Africa in contention. The innings was wrapped up by Corbin Bosch, who scored an unbeaten 29 from just 15 deliveries, including a match-winning boundary to seal the historic chase at 362-6.

India’s Strong Start

India looked in control after KL Rahul’s team was put into bat, losing the toss for the 20th consecutive time. A massive 195-run partnership for the third wicket between Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad gave India a formidable total.

• Kohli scored 102, marking his 53rd ODI century, extending his lead atop the century-scoring charts.
• Gaikwad hit his maiden ODI century with 105 runs off 83 balls, a landmark for the 50-over format.

Rahul finished the innings with a composed unbeaten 66, pushing India to a competitive 358-6. Despite the centuries, India’s bowlers were unable to defend the total against South Africa’s resilient batting.

Key Partnerships and Turning Points

South Africa lost early wickets, including Quinton de Kock for eight, caught by Washington Sundar off Arshdeep Singh, but Markram’s calm presence steadied the innings.

• Markram and Bavuma built momentum with a 101-run partnership.
• Markram and Breetzke added 70 crucial runs, keeping the chase alive.
• Brevis’ rapid 54 and Bosch’s finishing strike ensured South Africa overcame India’s mammoth target.

The match saw some late drama, with Breetzke and Marco Jansen dismissed in quick succession, but the South African lower order held their nerve to complete a joint-sixth highest chase in ODI history.

Context and Significance

The thrilling victory showcased South Africa’s depth, resilience, and ability to chase big totals under pressure. With the ODI series now level, the final match in Visakhapatnam will decide the series winner. Fans can also look forward to the upcoming five-match T20 series between the two cricketing powerhouses.

Scorecard Summary

India 358-5

• Gaikwad 105 (83)
• Kohli 102 (93)
• Jansen 2-63

South Africa 362-6

• Markram 110 (98)
• Brevis 54 (34)
• Bosch 29* (15)
• Arshdeep 2-54

Result: South Africa won by 4 wickets

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Key Takeaways

• South Africa achieve a joint-highest ODI chase in India with 362-6.
• Aiden Markram scores a match-winning century, his fourth in ODIs.
• Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli hit back-to-back centuries for India.
• South Africa’s chase marks the joint-sixth highest run chase in ODI history.
• ODI series now level at 1-1, with the decider in Visakhapatnam.