Raipur: South Africa produced a sensational run chase in Raipur, defeating India by 4 wickets and leveling the three-match ODI series 1–1. Chasing a massive target of 359, the visitors reached the total with 6 wickets down, completing the second-highest successful run chase ever on Indian soil. The record (359) was earlier set by Australia in 2019, and now South Africa have equaled that landmark.
Batting first, India posted 358/5 in 50 overs, riding on brilliant centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Opening pair Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal started aggressively, but both fell early. Kohli and Gaikwad then stitched a commanding 195-run partnership, stabilizing the innings.
Gaikwad smashed his maiden ODI century, reaching the milestone in just 77 balls. Kohli continued his red-hot form, scoring his 53rd ODI ton—his second consecutive century. Captain KL Rahul added a quickfire 66 off 43*, while Jadeja remained unbeaten on 24.
For South Africa, Marco Jansen picked up two wickets, while Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger claimed one each.
In the chase, Aiden Markram led from the front with a composed century. Dewald Brevis and Ryan Rickelton (or Breetzke) contributed valuable half-centuries at crucial moments, guiding the Proteas to one of their greatest ODI wins in India. This successful chase is now South Africa’s highest ever in India and jointly the second-highest overall at this venue.
With the series tied 1–1, the final ODI now becomes a must-watch decider.