South Africa stunned India with a brilliant run chase in the 2nd ODI at Raipur, successfully chasing down a massive 359-run target with four balls to spare. Aiden Markram’s sensational century and strong middle-order support helped the visitors take a 2–0 unassailable lead in the series.

India Post 358/5 After Strong Top-Order Show

India opted for a steady but attacking approach, getting 66 runs in the first powerplay but losing two early wickets. The review by South Africa in the 5th over resulted in Rohit Sharma's dismissal after a successful challenge.

Despite the early blows, Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad rebuilt the innings beautifully. They steadily reached 50 runs in just 6.5 overs, with extras helping the total.

Gaikwad–Kohli Partnership Dominates Middle Overs

The third-wicket stand became the highlight of India’s innings:

50-run stand in 55 balls

100-run stand in 93 balls

150-run stand in 127 balls

Both batters reached their half-centuries in style — Kohli in 47 balls and Gaikwad in 52. Gaikwad went on to score a classy 100 off 77 balls, laced with 12 boundaries and two sixes. Kohli soon joined him, bringing up his century off 90 balls.

Drinks were taken at 32 overs with India strongly placed at 221/2.

Rahul and Jadeja Finish Strong

In the death overs, KL Rahul provided the finishing touch with a quickfire 66 off 33 balls, striking boundaries at will. Ravindra Jadeja supported well with 24*, putting up a 50-run sixth-wicket stand in 46 balls.

Despite a slow over-rate penalty for South Africa, India reached an impressive 358/5 in 50 overs, with 24 extras included.

South Africa Begin Chase Steadily Despite Early Blow

India struck early when Markram was given out on review in the very first over, but the South African captain fought back with strong intent.

The visitors scored 51/1 in the first 10 overs, staying on track in the powerplay.

Markram Leads from the Front

Aiden Markram played one of the finest ODI innings of his career:

Reached 50 off 52 balls

Powered to 100 off 88 balls

Hit 9 fours and 4 sixes

He built two vital partnerships:

100-run stand with Temba Bavuma

50-run stand with Breetzke

South Africa reached 150/2 in the 25th over and remained comfortably in the chase.

Middle Order Steps Up: Breetzke & Brevis Shine

MP Breetzke continued the momentum with a well-made 50 off 49 balls, keeping India under pressure. Dewald Brevis then lifted the tempo spectacularly, smashing a fiery 50 off 33 balls, including 5 towering sixes.

South Africa surged past 300 in the 43rd over, staying ahead of the required rate.

A review for Breetzke in the 44th over upheld his dismissal, but the Proteas stayed composed.

Late Drama and a Historic Finish

T de Zorzi retired hurt at 332/6, adding a brief moment of concern. However, with only 27 needed from the final 30 balls, the chase remained within reach.

Despite a slow over-rate penalty on India, South Africa held their nerve, reaching 350 in 47.5 overs, before completing the chase:

South Africa: 362/6 in 49.2 overs

Won by 4 wickets with 4 balls to spare

It was one of the finest ODI chases in recent memory, powered by Markram’s masterclass and strong support from the middle order.