Kohli, Gaikwad tons in vain as SA level ODI series

India’s batting brilliance, highlighted by Virat Kohli’s record extending 53rd ODI century and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s maiden ton, was overshadowed by South Africa’s determined run chase as the visitors clinched a four wicket victory in the second ODI at Raipur on Wednesday, levelling the three match series 1 1.
Opting to bat first, India posted a formidable 358 for five, built on the foundation of a massive third wicket partnership between Kohli and Gaikwad. Kohli, in sublime touch, scored 102 off 93 balls with seven boundaries and two sixes, while Gaikwad matched his senior partner stroke for stroke, compiling 105 off 83 deliveries with 12 fours and two sixes. Their 195 run stand set a new record for India’s highest third wicket partnership against South Africa in ODIs.
KL Rahul provided the finishing flourish with an unbeaten 66 off 43 balls, striking six fours and two sixes. His quickfire knock ensured India capitalised on the platform laid by Kohli and Gaikwad. Despite continued experimentation with the batting order, with Rahul promoted ahead of Washington Sundar, the hosts looked well placed with a daunting total on the board. Chasing 359, South Africa’s innings was spearheaded by Aiden Markram, who produced his maiden century against India. Markram’s 110 anchored the chase, combining brute force with elegant stroke play. He shared a crucial 101 run stand with skipper Temba Bavuma (46) for the second wicket after Quinton de Kock fell early to Arshdeep Singh.
Markram’s innings was not without fortune—he was reprieved on 53 when Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped a catch at long on off Kuldeep Yadav. Capitalising on the lifeline, Markram continued to dominate, piercing gaps and clearing boundaries with ease, especially against India’s spinners who struggled under heavy dew. His dismissal to Harshit Rana’s off cutter at 110 briefly raised India’s hopes, but South Africa’s middle order responded strongly.
Dewald Brevis injected momentum with a blistering 54 off just 34 balls, hammering five sixes and a four. Partnering with Matthew Breetzke, who compiled a composed 68, the duo added 92 runs off 64 balls, effectively tilting the contest in South Africa’s favour. Brevis fell after his explosive cameo, but Breetzke’s steady knock marked his second successive half century, further consolidating the chase.
India attempted a late fightback with Prasidh Krishna dismissing Breetzke leg before and Arshdeep Singh removing Marco Jansen cheaply. However, Corbin Bosch (29 not out off 15 balls) and Keshav Maharaj (10 not out) held their nerve, steering South Africa home with four balls to spare.
India’s bowlers found conditions challenging, particularly with the heavy dew neutralising spin. Prasidh Krishna endured a tough outing, conceding 79 runs in his 10 overs despite claiming two wickets. Arshdeep Singh was more effective with figures of 2/54, but the lack of breakthroughs at crucial junctures hurt India’s chances. Kuldeep Yadav and Harshit Rana also struggled to contain the Proteas’ batting surge.
This defeat marked only the second time India have lost an ODI after scoring in excess of 350. The previous instance was against Australia in March 2019 at Mohali, where India posted 358/9 but still went down by four wickets. The Raipur loss underlined the challenges of defending big totals in modern ODI cricket, especially under lights with dew playing a decisive role.
For India, Kohli’s consistency and Gaikwad’s emergence as a reliable middle order option were positives, while Rahul’s finishing ability added depth. However, the bowling unit’s inability to adapt to conditions remains a concern. South Africa, on the other hand, showcased resilience and depth in batting, with Markram’s century and Brevis’s fireworks standing out.
Brief scores:
India 358/5 in 50 overs (Virat Kohli 102, Ruturaj Gaikwad 105, KL Rahul 66 not out; Marco Jansen 2/63)
South Africa 362 for 6 in 49.2 overs (Aiden Markram 110, Matthew Breetzke 68, Dewald Brevis 54; Arshdeep Singh 2/36).