🏏🔥 South Africa Level ODI Series With Thrilling Chase Against India — Markram’s Masterclass Powers Proteas to Historic 358 Run Chase in Raipur 🇿🇦⚡
🌟 A Run-Fest for the Ages in Raipur
Cricket fans at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur witnessed one of the most breathtaking high-scoring ODIs in recent history as South Africa chased down a mammoth target of 359 runs to defeat India by four wickets, leveling the three-match series 1-1 in dramatic fashion.
In a contest that showcased fearless modern-day batting, nerve-wracking pressure moments, and extraordinary individual brilliance, Aiden Markram emerged as the undisputed hero, smashing a sensational century that anchored South Africa’s historic run chase. With powerful support from Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, and Keshav Maharaj, the Proteas completed the chase with four balls to spare, silencing the Indian crowd and scripting one of their greatest ODI victories on Indian soil.
India, powered by twin centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, along with a blistering late cameo from KL Rahul, posted a towering 358/5, seemingly an unassailable total. Yet, in a stunning reversal of momentum, South Africa proved that no total is truly safe in modern ODI cricket.
This match was not just a contest — it was a statement of intent, a tactical battle of nerves, and a reminder that ODI cricket remains just as electrifying as the shortest formats.
🏟️ Toss, Conditions & Match Context
The Raipur surface offered:
✅ Flat batting track
✅ Even bounce
✅ Short square boundaries
✅ Dew later in the evening
✅ A nightmare for bowlers
With the series finely poised and both teams packed with explosive batting depth, the second ODI promised fireworks — and it delivered beyond expectations.
India, batting first under clear conditions, aimed to pile on scoreboard pressure. South Africa, known for fearless chases, accepted the challenge with confidence.
🇮🇳 India’s Innings (358/5) — A Batting Exhibition
🔥 Powerplay Phase: Fast Start, Early Setbacks
India began with aggression as Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal took on South Africa’s new-ball attack.
- Rohit Sharma smashed three boundaries in his 14 off 8 balls
- Jaiswal played more patiently, rotating strike
However, South Africa struck early:
- Rohit Sharma dismissed by Nandre Burger
- Jaiswal removed by Marco Jansen
India slumped to 62/2 in 9.4 overs, a phase that threatened to derail their momentum.
👑 Kohli & Gaikwad Take Control — A 195-Run Masterclass Partnership
With India wobbling, Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad authored a partnership for the ages.
🏏 Ruturaj Gaikwad – Maiden ODI Century (105 off 83)
- 12 fours
- 2 sixes
- Elegant strokeplay
- Precise placement
- Complete domination of the spin attack
👑 Virat Kohli – 53rd International Century (102 off 93)
- Supreme composure
- Masterclass in strike rotation
- Signature cover drives
- Calm under pressure
Together, they built a colossal 195-run stand, shifting the match completely in India’s favor.
⚡ Death Overs Carnage — KL Rahul Unleashes
As Gaikwad and Kohli departed in quick succession, KL Rahul unleashed absolute mayhem in the final overs:
- 66 off 43 balls*
- 6 fours, 2 sixes
- Strike rate over 150
Supported by Ravindra Jadeja’s steady 24*, India surged beyond the 350-run mark.
✅ Final Score: India 358/5 in 50 overs
🇿🇦 South Africa’s Chase (362/6) — One of the Greatest ODI Chases Ever
💥 Shaky Start: Early Blow for the Proteas
South Africa’s chase began with an early setback:
- Quinton de Kock dismissed for 8 by Arshdeep Singh
The score stood at 26/1, introducing early nerves.
🛡️ Markram & Bavuma – The Stabilizing Act (101-Run Stand)
Into the pressure walked Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma, both determined to steady the innings.
- Bavuma played the anchor role
- Markram gradually increased tempo
Their 101-run partnership rebuilt belief and stability.
Bavuma’s Knock:
- 46 off 48
- Calm rotation
- Absorbed pressure
When Bavuma fell to Prasidh Krishna, South Africa were solid at 127/2 — the platform was built.
👑 Aiden Markram’s Masterclass — Century of Authority
From stability to dominance — Markram shifted gears magnificently:
- 110 off 98 balls
- 10 fours
- 4 sixes
- Flawless against both spin and pace
His innings was a lesson in:
✅ Match awareness
✅ Composure under pressure
✅ Controlled aggression
✅ Rotation + power hitting
His dismissal at 197/3 still left South Africa perfectly positioned.
🚀 Middle-Order Firepower — Breetzke & Brevis Explode
💪 Matthew Breetzke – 68 off 64
- Clean straight hitting
- Intelligent strike rotation
- Held one end firm
⚡ Dewald Brevis – 54 off 34
- Fearless six-hitting
- Brutal assault on spin
- Changed the momentum in minutes
Their partnerships ensured the required run rate stayed under control.
🥶 Late Pressure & The Calm Finish
As wickets fell, tension peaked. But Corbin Bosch and Keshav Maharaj kept their nerve:
- Bosch: 29 off 15*
- Maharaj: 10 off 14*
✅ South Africa crossed the line with four balls remaining
✅ Final Score: 362/6 in 49.2 overs
✅ One of the highest successful ODI chases in cricket history
🎖️ Player of the Match — Aiden Markram
Markram’s 110 was not just a century — it was:
🏆 A chase-defining innings
🏆 A captain’s knock
🏆 A message to world cricket
🏆 A textbook example of modern ODI batting
📉 India’s Bowling — Where It Fell Apart
Despite defending 358, India struggled to contain South Africa’s deep batting:
- Prasidh Krishna: Expensive, though took 2 wickets
- Kuldeep Yadav: Controlled but went for boundaries
- Jadeja & Sundar: Couldn’t contain the middle-over assault
- Harshit Rana: Leaked runs at crucial moments
India’s bowlers simply could not apply sustained pressure across 50 overs.
🧠 Tactical Turning Points of the Match
✅ The Bavuma–Markram partnership halted India’s momentum
✅ Brevis’ blistering strikes shattered bowling plans
✅ Bosch’s fearlessness in the final overs killed the chase pressure
✅ India’s inability to strike in clusters allowed South Africa to stay ahead of the rate
🏆 What This Win Means for South Africa
✔ Series level at 1–1
✔ Massive confidence ahead of decider
✔ Proof of world-class batting depth
✔ Markram’s leadership credentials strengthened
✔ A psychological edge stolen from India at home
🇮🇳 What India Must Fix Before the Series Decider
❌ Death bowling discipline
❌ Inability to control run flow during middle overs
❌ Over-reliance on spin
❌ Fielding lapses under pressure
❌ No wicket-taking threat after powerplay
✅ Fans Reactions From Social Media
🗣️ Indian Fans:
- “358 and still lose? This hurts bad 💔”
- “Kohli century wasted… this one will sting for years.”
- “Our bowling collapsed when it mattered most.”
🗣️ South African Fans:
- “Markram you KING 👑 What a chase!”
- “This is why we love Proteas cricket!”
- “Historic night for South Africa 🇿🇦🔥”
🗣️ Neutral Cricket Fans:
- “THIS is why ODI cricket is still alive!”
- “One of the greatest white-ball games ever.”
- “Pure entertainment for 8 hours straight.”
“A Night When 358 Wasn’t Enough: Markram’s Chase Stuns India in Raipur”
✅ FAQs
1️⃣ Who won the India vs South Africa 2nd ODI in Raipur?
A: South Africa won the match by four wickets, successfully chasing 358 runs.
2️⃣ Who was Player of the Match in the 2nd ODI?
A: Aiden Markram won Player of the Match for his brilliant 110-run innings.
3️⃣ Is 358 one of the highest successful ODI chases?
A: Yes, 358 is among the highest successful ODI chases in cricket history.
4️⃣ How many centuries were scored in the match?
A: Three centuries were scored:
- Virat Kohli (102)
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (105)
- Aiden Markram (110)
5️⃣ What is the current series result after this match?
A: The three-match ODI series is now level at 1–1.
6️⃣ Who finished the match for South Africa?
A: Corbin Bosch and Keshav Maharaj finished the chase under pressure.
7️⃣ Which stadium hosted the historic chase?
A: The match was played at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur.
8️⃣ Which Indian bowler struggled the most?
A: India’s bowlers failed to contain runs in death overs, especially against Brevis and Bosch.
9️⃣ Why is this match considered special?
A: It featured:
- 720+ total runs
- Three centuries
- One of the biggest ODI chases ever
- A series-leveling thriller
🔟 What does this win mean for South Africa?
A: It gives South Africa massive confidence and momentum heading into the series decider.
🔥 Cricketory Final Verdict: A Modern ODI Epic
This match was a celebration of fearless ODI cricket. India’s class batting collided with South Africa’s unstoppable chase momentum. While India lit up the scoreboard with Kohli and Gaikwad’s centuries, South Africa answered with belief, aggression, and ice-cold finishing.
This wasn’t just a victory — it was a declaration.
One match. Two batting giants. Endless thrill.
The decider now promises to be an absolute war.