Raipur witnessed a thrilling, high-scoring ODI encounter on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, as South Africa defeated India by four wickets, leveling the three-match series 1-1. The match, held at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, saw the end of Virat Kohli's impressive 2462-day streak of not being dismissed for a duck in ODIs, marking a rare off-night for the Indian batting maestro.
India, after being asked to bat first after losing the toss, posted a formidable total of 358 for 5 in their 50 overs. The innings was powered by a magnificent 195-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, setting a new record for India's highest partnership against South Africa in ODIs. Gaikwad scored his maiden ODI century, reaching the milestone in 77 balls and finishing with 105 runs off 83 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes. Kohli also reached his century in 90 balls, marking his 53rd ODI hundred. He was eventually dismissed for 102 off 93 balls, which included seven fours and two sixes.
The early part of the Indian innings saw Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring 22 runs from 38 balls and Rohit Sharma making 14 runs from eight deliveries. KL Rahul contributed an unbeaten 66 and Ravindra Jadeja added 24 not out, further bolstering India's total. India finished their innings at 358 for 5 after 50 overs.
In reply, South Africa chased down the target, scoring 362 for six in 49.2 overs. Aiden Markram led the charge with a brilliant century, scoring 110 runs, his first against India. He was well-supported by Matthew Breetzke, who scored 68, and Dewald Brevis, who contributed a quickfire 54 off 34 balls. Corbin Bosch (29) and Keshav Maharaj (10) ensured South Africa crossed the finish line with four balls to spare.
The South African chase witnessed a shaky start when Quinton de Kock was dismissed early by Arshdeep Singh for 8 runs. Temba Bavuma also fell after scoring 6 runs. However, Markram and Breetzke steadied the innings with a strong partnership, followed by Brevis's explosive hitting, which shifted the momentum in South Africa's favor.
For India, Arshdeep Singh (2/54) and Prasidh Krishna (2/85) managed to pick up two wickets each. However, the Indian bowlers struggled to contain the South African batsmen, who displayed remarkable intent and execution throughout the chase. Prasidh Krishna proved expensive. Harshit Rana also conceded 16 runs in an over.
The match saw several records being broken, including the highest partnership for India against South Africa in ODIs. With this win, South Africa leveled the series 1-1, setting up a series-deciding third ODI in Visakhapatnam.
