The second ODI in Raipur turned into a blockbuster thriller, but it was South Africa who came away with one of his biggest away wins in ODI history. Chasing a stiff target of 359 against Indiathe Proteas showed remarkable composure under the lights as the dew made India’s task increasingly difficult. Aiden Markram led from the front with a superb century, while Matthew Breetzke And Dewald Brévis provided the firepower needed to keep the pursuit alive. India, despite centuries Virat Kohli And Giikwad Travelfailed with the ball and on the field. The visitors leveled the series 1–1 with four balls remaining. The stage is now set for a high-stakes decision in Visakhapatnam.
Centuries for India from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad in Raipur
India’s innings started in style with Rohit SharmaThe quick cameo and Yashasvi Jaiswalbut the real fireworks came from Kohli and Gaikwad, who put together a majestic partnership of 195. Kohli’s 53rd ODI ton was vintage, built on strike rotation and late acceleration, while Gaikwad’s maiden ODI century showed his all-format adaptability. India looked set to reach a total of over 380 when KL Rahul came in and launched a 43-ball 66, but crucially, India slowed down in the last five overs, scoring far less than expected. This missing buffer proved costly once the dew set in in Raipur.
Aiden Markram’s century keeps South Africa in contention
Markram produced one of the best ODI knocks by an opener visiting India, a 98-ball 110 full of fluidity, precision and remarkable control under pressure. He began cautiously after the early loss of Quinton de Kockbefore switching gears smoothly, finding gaps through coverage and extra coverage with memorable timing. His fifty came off 52 balls, and from there he increasingly targeted India’s inexperienced attack, particularly P.Rasidh Krishnawhose lengths repeatedly fed Markram’s forces. The South African batter used the sweep and sweep effectively against Ravindra Jadeja And Kuldeep Yadavforcing India to constantly modify its fields.
Even though Bavuma and later Breetzke rotated strikes effectively, Markram remained the focus of the chase, dictating the tempo and refusing to let the required pace increase. He hit 10 fours and four sixes, each of them clean and dominant, becoming the first African opener since 2010 to score an ODI hundred in India. His possible dismissal, an unwelcome blow Harshit Rana,’s slower ball arrived just after crossing three figures, but by then it had irreversibly tipped the match in South Africa’s favour. The foundations he laid allowed Brevis and Breetzke to attack freely, ensuring that South Africa remained comfortably ahead of the chasing curve, even under heavy pressure from the scoreboard.
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Dewald Brevis and Matthew Breetzke’s firepower and India’s woes give South Africa a famous victory
The turning point came when the wet ball repeatedly slipped out of Indian hands, forcing two ball changes and neutralizing the spinners’ swing and grip. Bavuma is 46 years old, Matthew Breetzkeis composed of 68, and Dewald Brévis‘s explosive 34-ball 54 added relentless momentum, with the pair adding 92 runs in just 69 balls. India’s fielding deteriorated further, fielding errors, wet ball fumbles and at least 25 extra runs aided SA’s chase.
Although Prasidh and Rana picked key wickets, they leaked heavily during the crucial stages. Arshdeep Singh was the choice of bowlers but received little support. Even the late setbacks, injuries to De Zorzi and Nandre Burgercould not derail the Proteas as Corbin Bosch calmly finished the pursuit in the final. India paid the price for a soft finish with the bat and a display of errors with the ball, setting up a high-stakes decider in Visakhapatnam on December 6.
Here’s how fans reacted:
I have rarely seen Indian bowling and fielding so sloppy; South Africa is said to have even chased down 380#INDvSA
– Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) December 3, 2025
Corbin Bosch is CLUTCH!
-Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) December 3, 2025
The Indian squad is not quite giving the bowlers the support they need in these difficult bowling conditions.
– Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 3, 2025
I will choose Mohammed Shami, 50, over any version of Prasidh Krishna in any format.
– Kevin (@imkevin149) December 3, 2025
Although the bowlers will be questioned, the problem is also that if you don’t win the tosses when there is so much dew, it is impossible for the bowlers to defend. Even more so when the fielding was poor. You must be at your best on the ground in these conditions. Too much dew. Unfair to the bowlers. @RevSportzGlobal
– Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) December 3, 2025
358 on the board and you still lose by 4 wickets? It’s embarrassing. Indian bowling today was absolutely ignorant. No plans, no intensity, no responsibilities. Pathetic from the bowlers. 😡 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/QLeIVl94cd
-Bineet Singh (@BineetSingh1511) December 3, 2025
Jadeja and Sundar’s overall performances level the series
-arfan (@Im__Arfan) December 3, 2025
Jadeja and Jaiswal, ruined Rutu’s MOTM🤧
-Sergio (@SergioCSKK) December 3, 2025
And in the end, the centuries of Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad faded away.
Who is responsible for India’s defeat?
South Africa’s biggest chase
Indian bowlers could not save the match #INDvSA– foreign student (@spartan3904) December 3, 2025
Corbin Bosch achieves winning races 🏏
South Africa level ODI series 🔥#cricket #INDvSA #2NDODI pic.twitter.com/zFVsp61DXc
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 3, 2025
ALSO READ: Brother Vikas and sister Bhawna express jubilation on social media after Virat Kohli’s 84th international century | IND v SA, 2nd ODI
