South Africa Level Series with India in Raipur Runfest Despite Kohli's Century
Raipur witnessed a run-scoring spectacle as South Africa defeated India in the second ODI at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Wednesday, leveling the three-match series 1-1. Despite Virat Kohli's magnificent century, supported by Ruturaj Gaikwad's maiden ODI ton, India's total of 358/5 proved insufficient as South Africa chased down the target with four wickets to spare.
India, after being put in to bat by South Africa, saw their openers Rohit Sharma (14) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) dismissed early. However, Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad forged a formidable 195-run partnership for the third wicket. Gaikwad reached his maiden ODI century in 77 balls, eventually scoring 105 off 83 deliveries, studded with 12 fours and 2 sixes. Kohli, continuing his stellar form, notched up his 53rd ODI century, his second consecutive in the series, reaching the milestone in 90 balls. He was eventually dismissed for 102 off 93 balls, having hit 7 fours and 2 sixes. KL Rahul contributed a quickfire 66 not out off 43 balls, and Ravindra Jadeja added an unbeaten 24, propelling India to a substantial total of 358/5. Marco Jansen was the pick of the South African bowlers, taking 2/63.
In response, South Africa lost Quinton de Kock early. Aiden Markram (110) and Temba Bavuma (46) then steadied the innings with a half-century stand. Markram continued his strong play, partnering with Matthew Breetzke (68) to keep South Africa on track. Markram brought up his fourth ODI century in just 88 balls. Dewald Brevis contributed 54. Corbin Bosch (29) and Keshav Maharaj (10) ultimately guided South Africa to victory, leveling the series. South Africa reached 350 runs with 13 balls remaining. They needed only 3 runs off the final over, winning the match with 4 balls to spare.
Kohli's innings was a masterclass in ODI batting, marked by excellent tempo and shot selection. He reached his century with a single off Marco Jansen, sending the Raipur crowd into a frenzy. This was Kohli's 11th instance of scoring centuries in consecutive ODI innings, a record in the format. It also marked his 34th different venue for an ODI century, equaling Sachin Tendulkar's record.
Gaikwad also had a memorable innings, making the most of his opportunity to score his maiden ODI century. KL Rahul continued his good form in the series, providing a late surge to India's innings.
For South Africa, Aiden Markram's century was the cornerstone of their chase, while valuable contributions from Breetzke, Brevis, and Bosch ensured they crossed the finish line.
The series now heads to Visakhapatnam for thedecisive third ODI.
