Aiden Markram’s century powered South Africa to a four-wicket win over India in the second ODI on Wednesday, leveling the three-match series 1-1. Chasing 362-6, the Proteas capitalized on favorable dewy conditions and India’s 20th consecutive toss loss in ODIs.
Markram, dropped earlier on 53, finished with 110 off 98 balls, hitting 10 fours and four sixes. He shared a fast-paced second-wicket partnership with Temba Bavuma, who returned to captain the side after missing the first match. Bavuma scored 46 runs.
“Happy to have crossed the line,” Bavuma said. “Unbelievable game … it showed how tough it is to play against this Indian side. We can take a lot of confidence from this match.”
Matthew Breetzke added 68 runs for South Africa, his second consecutive ODI half-century, while Dewald Brevis scored 54 with five sixes in his maiden ODI half-century. Despite losing wickets in clusters in the final overs and Tony de Zorzi retiring hurt with a hamstring injury, Corbin Bosch guided South Africa home with an unbeaten 29 off 15 balls.
Markram’s Masterclass Anchors Chase
After Quinton de Kock was dismissed early for 8, Markram and Bavuma took control, scoring quickly against India’s bowlers. A dropped catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal at long-on allowed Markram to continue his innings and showcase a wide range of shots.
Bavuma eventually fell trying to hit another short ball, but Markram kept the momentum going. Breetzke’s brisk partnership helped Markram complete his century off 88 balls. Brevis continued the aggressive batting before falling to Kuldeep Yadav, and Breetzke was dismissed LBW to Prasidh Krishna.
With 31 runs needed off 31 balls, de Zorzi injured his hamstring, but Bosch and Keshav Maharaj sealed the win with four balls to spare. This marked South Africa’s third-highest successful chase in ODI history.
Kohli and Gaikwad Shine for India
Earlier, India posted a formidable total of 358-5 thanks to centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Kohli scored 102 off 93 balls, showing remarkable fitness at age 37, while Gaikwad made his maiden ODI century, hitting 105 off 83 balls with 12 boundaries and two sixes.
The pair added 195 runs for the third wicket after India lost both openers, Rohit Sharma (14) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (22), early in the innings. Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi eventually broke their partnership, but India still managed to cross 350 runs, with Lokesh Rahul contributing an unbeaten 66 and Ravindra Jadeja 24 not out.