South Africa achieved a spectacular victory, chasing down 359 runs to defeat India by four wickets and equalize the three-match series. The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur witnessed a dramatic turnaround, with Aiden Markram’s century being the cornerstone of the Proteas’ monumental effort. Supported by aggressive half-centuries from Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis, South Africa reached the target with four balls to spare. This remarkable chase, their third-highest ever in ODIs, matched the highest score ever successfully chased against India. India had earlier posted a formidable 358/5, thanks to brilliant centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, setting the stage for an epic encounter. Markram’s unbeaten 110 off 98 balls was a masterclass in anchoring a massive chase. He built crucial partnerships, notably a 101-run stand with Temba Bavuma and a vital 70 with Breetzke. Dewald Brevis’s rapid 54 and Matthew Breetzke’s fluent 68 provided the necessary impetus in the middle overs, especially under dewy conditions that made bowling difficult for India. Corbin Bosch’s composed 29 not out sealed the deal, silencing the home crowd and setting up a thrilling series decider.
