Markram’s Masterclass Seals Thrilling Four-Wicket Win for South Africa in Raipur ODI

Raipur, Dec 2025: The second One-Day International of the three-match series between India and South Africa turned into a run-fest at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday, with the visitors pulling off a dramatic four-wicket victory after a high-scoring encounter.

India, batting first, posted a formidable 358 for 5, riding on magnificent centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, South Africa responded with a spirited chase, led by a stunning maiden ODI century by Aiden Markram, supported by aggressive middle-order contributions, to chase down the target in thrilling fashion.

India’s Commanding Batting Display

India got off to a confident start with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening the innings. Rohit looked fluent early on, striking three consecutive boundaries before being dismissed for 14 in the fifth over. Jaiswal followed soon after, edging out for 22 in the 10th over, leaving India at 66 for 2.

Virat Kohli announced his intent in style by opening his account with a towering six. He then stitched together a crucial partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad, steadily rebuilding the innings. India crossed the 100-run mark in the 16th over, and from there, the two batters took charge.

Kohli reached his half-century off 47 balls, while Gaikwad accelerated with exquisite strokeplay. In the 34th over, Gaikwad brought up his maiden ODI century in just 77 balls, marking a major milestone in his international career. His sublime knock of 105 runs ended in the 36th over.

The duo added a massive 195-run partnership, completely shifting the momentum in India’s favour. Kohli followed up with his own century in the 38th over, reaching three figures in 90 balls. It was his 53rd ODI century and his second century in consecutive appearances. Kohli was finally dismissed for 102 off 93 balls, caught by Aiden Markram off Lungi Ngidi.

Washington Sundar was run out for just one run, but KL Rahul (66 not out) and Ravindra Jadeja (24 not out) ensured a strong finish, taking India to 358 for 5. For South Africa, Marco Jansen picked up two wickets, while Ngidi and Burger took one each.

South Africa’s Gritty Chase

South Africa’s reply began with Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram opening the innings. However, the visitors suffered an early setback when de Kock was dismissed for 8, caught by Washington Sundar off Arshdeep Singh, leaving South Africa at 26 for 1.

Markram and Temba Bavuma then rebuilt cautiously. Bavuma played a steady knock before being dismissed for 46 at 127, caught off Prasidh Krishna. Despite the loss of partners, Markram remained composed at one end and accelerated beautifully to reach his fourth ODI century off just 88 balls.

However, soon after reaching the milestone, Markram attempted an aerial shot off Harshit Rana’s slower delivery and was caught by Ruturaj Gaikwad. His outstanding innings of 110 runs off 98 balls, including 10 fours and 4 sixes, left South Africa at 197 for 3.

The momentum briefly swung back in India’s favour when Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Dewald Brevis for a blistering 54 off 34 balls, caught by Yashasvi Jaiswal. Yet, Matthew Breetzke continued the assault, keeping South Africa firmly in the game.

With South Africa at 289 for 4, Prasidh Krishna struck again, trapping Breetzke LBW for 48, making it 317 for 5. Marco Jansen was dismissed soon after for 2, caught by Gaikwad off Arshdeep Singh, tightening the contest at 322 for 6.

With five overs remaining and 27 runs needed off 30 balls, Tony de Giorgi retired out for 17 as a tactical move. Corbin Bosch and Keshav Maharaj then calmly steered the chase, taking South Africa over the line with four wickets in hand.

Series Now Wide Open

The thrilling victory has brought South Africa back strongly into the series, setting up a high-stakes decider in the final ODI. Despite India’s massive batting effort, South Africa’s fearless chase, powered by Markram’s class and crucial middle-order contributions, proved decisive in Raipur.

The match will be remembered as one of the most entertaining high-scoring ODIs of the year, underlining the intense rivalry between the two cricketing giants.

Team Maverick.