SA’s Record Chase Stuns India in 2nd ODI: Fan Reactions

  • December 3, 2025

The second One Day International in Raipur unfolded into an engrossing, high-scoring contest, concluding with South Africa securing what is considered among their most significant away triumphs in ODI history. Pursuing a challenging 359 against India, the Proteas showcased notable steadiness as the evening progressed, with dew conditions making India’s job increasingly demanding. Aiden Markram took the initiative, performing outstandingly with a century, whereas Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis added the requisite striking ability to maintain momentum in the chase. India, despite centuries registered by Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, found themselves lacking in their bowling performance and fielding efforts. The visiting team drew level in the series, reaching a 1–1 score with four balls to spare. The circumstances are ripe for a decisive, high-stakes match in Visakhapatnam.

Centuries for India from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad in Raipur

India’s batting began promisingly, featuring a swift contribution from Rohit Sharma and a firm approach by Yashasvi Jaiswal, but the true spectacle originated from Kohli and Gaikwad, who together constructed a noteworthy 195-run partnership. Kohli’s 53rd century in ODIs was a classic display, anchored on rotating the strike and accelerating towards the innings’ end, while Gaikwad’s initial ODI century highlighted his flexibility across different formats. India looked set to achieve a total exceeding 380 when KL Rahul joined and delivered a rapid 66 off 43 balls; however, India’s scoring notably decreased in the closing five overs, achieving fewer runs than anticipated. This deficient padding ultimately became costly once the dew came into play in Raipur.

Aiden Markram’s authoritative hundred keeps South Africa in the hunt

Markram played one of the more impressive ODI innings by a visiting opening batsman in India, scoring 110 from 98 balls with a display characterized by fluidity, accuracy, and exceptional composure under pressure. He adopted a measured approach after the early departure of Quinton de Kock, before smoothly increasing his scoring rate, discovering gaps through the covers and extra cover with unforgettable timing. His half-century was reached in 52 balls, after which he progressively aimed at India’s less experienced pace bowlers, notably Prasidh Krishna, whose delivery lengths consistently played to Markram’s favor. The South African batter skillfully employed the sweep and slog-sweep shots against Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, prompting India to regularly adjust their field positions.

Even as Bavuma, and later Breetzke, maintained a steady strike rotation, Markram stood as the central figure in the chase, controlling the pace and preventing the required run rate from escalating. He hit 10 boundaries and four sixes, each hit cleanly and with authority, thereby becoming the first opener from Africa since 2010 to achieve an ODI century in India. His eventual dismissal, resulting from a mistimed shot off Harshit Rana’s slower delivery, occurred shortly after surpassing the hundred mark, yet he had already decisively swayed the match in South Africa’s advantage. The groundwork he established enabled Brevis and Breetzke to freely adopt an aggressive approach, guaranteeing South Africa remained well ahead of the required scoring rate even under significant scoreboard pressure.

Also READ: Virat Kohli’s 53rd ODI century: Anushka Sharma reacts after India legend steals the show in Raipur – IND vs SA

Dewald Brevis and Matthew Breetzke firepower and India’s fielding woes hand South Africa a famous win

The pivotal moment came about when the damp ball repeatedly slipped from the grasp of Indian fielders, which forced two changes of ball and diminished both swing and spin effectiveness. Bavuma’s score of 46, Matthew Breetzke’s steady 68, and Dewald Brevis’s quickfire 54 from 34 balls provided consistent momentum, with the duo contributing 92 runs in just 69 deliveries. India’s fielding further declined, exemplified by misfields, fumbles because of the wet ball, and approximately 25 additional runs conceded, aiding South Africa’s pursuit.

Although Prasidh and Rana claimed vital wickets, they proved expensive during critical periods. Arshdeep Singh stood out as the most effective bowler but received minimal backing. Despite late setbacks, including injuries to de Zorzi and Nandre Burger, the Proteas maintained their course, with Corbin Bosch composedly concluding the chase in the last over. India suffered for a weak finish during their batting innings and a mistake-filled performance with the ball, leading to a crucial encounter in Visakhapatnam scheduled for December 6.

Here’s how fans reacted: 

Also READ: Brother Vikas and Sister Bhawna express their jubilation on social media after Virat Kohli’s 84th international century | IND vs SA, 2nd ODI

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