South Africas Run Fest in Raipur, Indias Bowling Falls Flat in Record Chase

The second ODI in Raipur produced a rare spectacle of high-voltage batting from both sides. India posted an imposing 369, yet South Africa climbed the mountain with remarkable authority to script a historic chase. With more than six hundred runs scored, the match turned into a grand exhibition of batting artistry.

India’s innings began with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, both showing early aggression that didn’t last long. Rohit fell for 14 off 8 balls to Nandre Burger, and Jaiswal followed for 22, undone by Marco Jansen. The early jolts were neutralised by Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli, who steadied the innings and stitched together a magnificent 205-run partnership.

Gaikwad’s 105 was a blend of elegance and controlled aggression, reaching his century off 83 balls. At the other end, Kohli anchored the innings to bring up his 53rd ODI hundred with trademark composure. KL Rahul added a measured fifty, while Ravindra Jadeja provided late momentum to push India past 360. However, India’s final five overs lacked the firepower they expected, though Gaikwad and Kohli’s brilliance ensured a strong total of 369.

South Africa’s chase began shakily as Quinton de Kock departed early for 26, dismissed by Arshdeep Singh. But captain Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram revived the innings with calm, calculated batting. Bavuma contributed a steady 46, while Markram’s century became the backbone of the chase. After being dropped by Jaiswal early in his innings, Markram capitalised fully, smashing 110 off 89 balls and putting the Indian bowlers under immense pressure.

Once Markram fell, South Africa never allowed the momentum to slip. Matthew Breetzke produced a mature half-century, while Dewald Brevis batted with the boldness of a seasoned campaigner. His blistering 54 off just 34 balls, featuring four sixes and five fours, broke India’s bowling plans entirely. Jansen fell cheaply, but Corbin Bosch and Keshav Maharaj guided the visitors home without panic.

This was South Africa’s third successful chase of over 350 in ODI history, and their joint-highest successful chase against India. Another notable statistic: three centuries were scored in the match—by Kohli, Gaikwad, and Markram—only the third time this has happened in an India–South Africa ODI. Nearly 42% of South Africa’s runs came straight down the ground, showcasing their exceptional ability to score through that region.

India’s bowling once again exposed vulnerabilities in death overs and length selection. Arshdeep and Prasidh Krishna impressed early but faded later. The spinners struggled to grip and control the ball due to dew, and fielding errors—most notably Jaiswal’s dropped catch—proved decisive in shifting momentum.

With the series now level, South Africa’s commanding display in Raipur signals a stiff upcoming challenge for India. The series decider in Visakhapatnam will test both teams’ mental strength and tactical consistency as the battle intensifies.