Raipur – Dec 3 (LatestNewsX) – South Africa’s skipper Temba Bavuma was full of praise for his teammates after they chased a massive 359, beating India by four wickets in the second ODI and even‑ed the series 1‑1.
Built on Aiden Markram’s brilliant century and relaxed half‑centuries from Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis, the Proteas pulled off the mammoth run chase at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium. “I’m happy to have crossed the line,” Bavuma said. “Coming into this game, we were thinking of how we could get better with the ball. I think with the ball, there are more conversations that we could have. But with the bat, definitely better up front with the top three.”
He added that the partnerships were key: “The partnerships between Aiden‑Breetzke, carrying on with his form, and Bosch, showing a lot of maturity there. Finishing also, better showing from us. Unbelievable game. I think it’s a record chase and I think it shows how well we need to play against this Indian side,” he concluded.
South Africa’s run‑chase was completed with four balls to spare. Markram’s 110 set the tone, followed by Breetzke’s fluent 68 and Brevis’ daring 54. “Yeah, it was a contribution from almost everyone, and we would need it in a big run‑chase like that. I came to the crease with Aiden; he was hitting the ball,” Bavuma explained.
“I was trying to build a partnership with him. But I think that was the biggest thing, trying to take the game deep,” he added. “I think that’s not really a thing now in modern‑day cricket. But it was all about the partnership and trusting the guys who were coming behind me that they would be able to chase down whatever score.”
Bavuma said the decision to move Brevis down to number 4 paid off. “I think the ploy of sending Brevis early worked in our favour. A lot of confidence that we can take from this game. I think we set it up to be an exploding series. I think the guys who are here are our best players.”
Speaking of team dynamics, he noted the intense competition for places. “I think there’s a high level of competition between the guys. It’s a strong competition for positions. So I think batters know that they have to be at their best. Similarly, with the bowling as well, we are creating that depth around our fast bowlers. As I said at the end of the Test series, it’s a good space for the guys. As much as there are still strides that we need to make, performances like these do a hell of a good job for confidence.”
When asked about the injury status of Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi, Bavuma replied that he wasn’t medical staff. “I’m not the doctor, so I’m not too sure. It didn’t look too good, to be honest. Nandre not being able to finish his spell. I’m sure they’ll go through the medical process. If need be, we do have other guys waiting in the wings who will have to do the job come Saturday.”
Markram, the match‑winning centurion and Player of the Match, said he was keen to make amends after the first ODI fell short. “Yes, exactly. You’ve got to get through that initial period. We saw in the first game what the middle order did, and from my side, I did feel a bit responsible that we just came up short. If you kick on into the 70s, the outcome could easily be different.”
“The wicket had a bit more pace and swing under lights tonight, so the plan was to get in, find some rhythm, and then push on from there.” He remembered a conversation with Bavuma later in the innings, which helped him decide his shots. “If one of us gets out, then you rebuild with the next batter. The partnership felt solid. I’m proud of the boys for getting us over the line. It was tricky at the end, high‑pressure moments, but the guys stayed calm and got the job done,” he added.
Markram also highlighted the importance of batting depth. “It definitely helps. When you’ve effectively got eight batters and Kesh, who can also chip in, that gives you a lot of freedom.” As a team, he believes a positive brand is key. “We want to play a positive brand, take the game on, and put bowlers under pressure. When you’ve got depth, you feel that freedom. The middle order has really put their hands up over the past year. Now it’s up to us at the top to set things up so they can entertain.”
When asked if he preferred opening or batting at number two, Markram admitted it was hard to choose. “It’s tough to pick. Everyone says the opening is great because the field is up and the ball comes onto the bat nicely. That’s true, but when it’s swinging in and out, it can be a challenge. Still, I’m happy either way. It’s only been a few innings at the top again, so I think once I settle in, I’ll start enjoying it even more.”
Corbin Bosch, who finished the chase with an unbeaten 29, said calmness was crucial in the final stages. “I just said to Kesh, let’s run hard. We still need less than a run‑a‑ball. I just told Kesh, let’s stay nice and calm, run nice and hard, and we’ll be able to pick off the runs. There’s always the belief in this team that we can chase anything.”
He reflected on his own role: “Tonight just shows that we can do incredible things when the game is set up perfectly. The guys at the top of the order set up this game beautifully for us to finish it off at the end. I had full belief that if needed, Nandre would come in. I just told Kesh, let’s be nice and calm and take it one ball at a time, one run at a time, and we’ll get over the line.”
When asked about the conditions in Raipur, Bosch noted the environment was a bit tricky. “Bowling on it was a little bit tricky. Obviously, not my best bowling performance, but the dew definitely played a factor. The ball started coming on quite nicely. It was quite sticky when the outfield was still nice and dry, but as soon as the ball got a bit wet, it got a little bit tougher. Obviously, it made it a little bit easier for us to score the runs.”
Bosch, a vital part of the South African setup across formats over the last year, said he enjoys the challenge of batting at number eight. “That’s my job. It’s so much easier batting at number 8 than opening, but I’ll take it. Whatever I can do to contribute to the team, I’ll happily do it.”
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