South Africa Stun India With Record Chase in Raipur Despite Kohli–Gaikwad Hundreds

South Africa pulled off a massive chase in the India vs South Africa 2nd ODI in Raipur, matching the joint-highest successful target hunted by a visiting side in India. India posted 359, powered by centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, yet still slipped to defeat as dew, loose fielding and an inexperienced pace attack left KL Rahul’s team exposed.

The context of India’s loss grew sharper when compared with the series opener in Ranchi, where India had defended 349. In Raipur, even 359 looked under-par once the ball turned slippery under lights. India leaked at least 25 extra runs through misfields and fumbles, with even Ravindra Jadeja struggling on the damp outfield that heavily favoured chasing.

India vs South Africa 2nd ODI: record chase and key scores

South Africa’s effort matched Australia’s 359 chase in Mohali in 2019, making it only the second instance of a visiting team overhauling a 350-plus target against India in ODIs. Aiden Markram’s 98-ball 110, Dewald Brevis’s 34-ball 54 and Matthew Breetzke’s 68 off 64 balls drove the pursuit, which ended with four balls remaining at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium.

Markram’s innings was the anchor of the India vs South Africa 2nd ODI chase. Markram struck 10 fours and four sixes, batting with authority against both pace and spin. The opener became the fifth South African visiting opener, and the first since 2010, to score an ODI hundred in India, before Harshit Rana removed Markram with a slower ball in the 30th over.