2nd ODI: Markram’s ton, Breetzke and Brevis fifties help SA beat India, level series 1-1 (ld)
At Raipur on Wednesday, South Africa chased 359 in a pulse‑pounding effort to bring the series level at 1‑1. Aiden Markram’s fluent 110 off 98, flanked by Matthew Breetzke’s 68 and Dewald Brevis’s 54, saw the Proteas win by four wickets at the Shheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium.
India had set a target of 358/5 after Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad and KL Rahul produced solid totals, with Kohli scoring a quick 102, Gaikwad smashing an 105 and Rahul taking a 66‑ball unbeaten 66. The Sunrisers’ effort benefited from some fielding errors and a dip in the defending bowlers, particularly on a damp pitch that appeared to favour the South Africans more as the game progressed.
Markram, whose 110 came through partnerships of 101 and 70 with Temba Bavuma, capitalised on a dropped catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal at 53, giving the chase a steady lead. Breetzke and Brevis then added a 92‑run fourth‑wicket stand, allowing South Africa to maintain a healthy margin over the required rate despite dew‑slicked conditions and a few costly Indian bowling swings.
Corbin Bosch anchored the final phase with an unbeaten 29, earning the crowd’s praise as he guided the Pearl millet bowlers to the chase’s successful finish. The 359 total is tied for the highest score chased against India in ODIs, matching the 2019 Mohali success against the Australian side.
South Africa’s run surge began early, with Markram and Quinton de Kock bounding for five fours in the first three overs. However, India’s Arshdeep Singh knocked de Kock over the leg side, and he later fell to an edge caught mid‑on. Markram found his rhythm once the new ball threat receded, taking plenty of boundaries off Prasidh Krishna and David’s rolled more pace.
The Proteas advanced well into the middle overs, bolstered by Brevis’ incisive strike‑rate and Breetzke’s control against spin, which kept the Indian bowlers off balance. Despite a brief wobble when Markram was dismissed for 110, South Africa remained on course and finished the chase with four balls to spare, drawing the series.
In recap, India’s 358/5 (Ruturaj Gaikwad 105, Virat Kohli 102, KL Rahul 66*, Marco Jansen 2/63, Nandre Burger 1/43) were outscored by South Africa’s 359/6 (Aiden Markram 110, Matthew Breetzke 68, Dewald Brevis 54, Temba Bavuma 45, Arshdeep Singh 2/54, Prasidh Krishna 2/82) by four wickets.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
