IND vs SA 2nd ODI: Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad's tons in vain as Proteas pull off record chase

South Africa have levelled the series 1-1, pulling off their highest chase against India in ODIs. This is also the joint-highest chase against India alongside Australia (2019 in Mohali). Aiden Markram was instrumental with a century but Dewald Brevis (54) and Matthew Breetzke (68) kept them in the hunt. Corbin Bosch (29) finished the formalities with 4 balls left as India paid the price of poor bowling a extreme dew conditions in Raipur.

Despite a good over from Harshit Rana, the equation is in South Africa's favour. They need just 8 runs to pull off a record chase vs India. To make matters worse, India have received a slow over penalty and only 4 players are allowed outside the circle now.

Keshav Maharaj is coming to bat as the physios are asking Tony de Zorzi to come out. He was clearly struggling and South Africa did not want him to risk any long-term injury.

If South Africa win today, they will have the joint highest successful chase record against India. Australia chased down 359 in Mohali in 2019.

Match date	Country	Target	Ground	Result
10/03/2019	Australia	359	Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium	Australia won by 4 wickets
05/02/2020	New Zealand	348	Seddon Park	New Zealand won by 4 wickets
26/03/2021	England	337	Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium	England won by 6 wickets
08/06/2017	Sri Lanka	322	Kennington Oval	Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets
08/11/2007	Pakistan	322	Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium	Pakistan won by 4 wickets

After a brief delay, Tony de Zorzi seems fine. Maybe it was just a pulled muscle. Even as Keshav Maharaj padded up and was ready to come in, he returned to the dressing room. Zorzi will continue. But the responsibility will be on Corbin Bosch to deliver the knockout punch with 27 runs needed off 30 balls.

Not a good sign as Tony de Zorzi goes down while taking a single. He is clutching his hamstring and looks like it's serious as physios come on in. South Africa have already lost Nandre Burger to a hamstring injury.

Arshdeep Singh has delivered a big, big wicket as he dismisses his Punjab Kings teammate Marco Jansen for 2 to keep India's hopes alive. South Africa need 37 runs off last 33 balls.

Prasidh Krishna has delivered a crucial wicket after conceding 77 runs in 7.4 overs. Matthew Breetzke departs as he misses out on full delivery. He takes the review but it wouldn't matter. He was plumbed. South Africa 317/5 with 42 runs still to get in 37 balls.

After 4/68 in the 1st ODI, Kuldeep Yadav struggles in Raipur, going for 78 runs in his 10 overs in exchange for just one wicket. The dew did not help Kuldeep either. South Africa are 311/4 in 43 overs and the target looks possible to achieve now.

Kuldeep Yadav has the last laugh as he gets Dewald Brevis after Baby AB hit him for a six to bring up his fifty. Brevis was in a hurry and as he took Kuldeep on again for a big shot, he failed to time it well and git caught by Yashasvi Jaiswal. South Africa 289/4 in 40.3 overs.

After a 29-ball 37 in the last match, Dewald Brevis has not made a mistake today. He gets to his half-century off 33 balls, taking on Kuldeep Yadav for a six. The partnership is also closing in on 100.

Last 10 overs now as Harshit Rana goes for 16 runs with Dewald Brevis hitting him for two sixes to ruin his over. Brevis also moves closer to a half-century. South Africa need 77 off the last 60 balls.

Matthew Breetzke gets to his second consecutive half-century off 49 balls against India in this series. He has been instrumental in South Africa keeping hopes alive of chasing down the 359 target.

Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis have brought up a half-century stand. This stand is crucial for South Africa to deliver the knockout punch in the last 10 overs. The two have brought down the required run rate below 9 and that would be crucial.

Prasidh Krishna has conceded a boundary at least in each of his overs. He has been lacklustre so far, already conceding over 50 runs at over 10 economy rate. In his 6th over, Prasidh went for 16 runs. South Africa need 106 runs off the last 78 deliveries.

Matthew Breetzke (37) and Dewald Brevis (13) are looking solid and South Africa remain in the hunt to chase down the massive 359-run target. But the required run rate is going up at over 9 runs an over now. South Africa 226/3 after 35. Proteas still need 133 off the last 90 balls.

The equation is gettin quite steep for the Proteas with each passing over. But the only good part is they have only lost three wickets. They can accelerate, when India bring on the spinners, since it is already difficult to grip the ball. SA 211/3.

The equation is pretty simple now for South Africa, they need 158 from 108 deliveries. Doesn't look like a lot but they have a reuptation of choking under pressure. South Africa 201/3 in 32 overs.

Game-changing moment in the match. Credit to HArshit Rana, hasn't leaked a lot of runs.

A big wicket for Harshit Rana 👏🔥
Dismissed Aiden Markram for 110 runs! pic.twitter.com/TZqXyRVgEq

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) December 3, 2025

It is getting difficult for players to grip the ball, and there are frequent breaks. This time, the ball might get changed also. This is a threatening partnership between Markram and Breetzke. The break has done the trick. MArkram goes for a big one, mistimes and is caught by Gaikwad. SA 197/3 in 30 overs.

Opener Markram has kept SA in the hunt. He gets to his ton in only 88 deliveries and that is massive for his team. SA 180/2 in 27.3 overs.

The required rate is climbing, but the wickets aren't coming as frequently. So, India might want to change that a bit. South Africa 153/2 in 25 overs.

The wicket hasn't made much of a difference here for South Africa. Aiden Markram is continuing to get boundaries at the moment. And these are not great signs for India at the moment. South Africa 142/2 in 23 overs.

Prasidh Krishna has finally struck in his second over, and it is the shorter delivery that has done the trick. He tries to pull, but cannot get the distance and is caught by Harshit Rana. South Africa 127/2 in 20.5 overs.

Tilak Varma put in an excellent effort at the boundary line to take the catch of Aiden Markram but he could not control it. However, in doing so, he saved five runs as it was surely going for a 6.

TILAK VARMA SAVED 5 RUNS 🤯

- The commitment of Tilak, coming as Sub fielder for the country. pic.twitter.com/kI5zqoo7F3

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 3, 2025

Yashasvi Jaiswal drops a regulation catch at the boundary line to give a lifeline to Aiden Markram on 53. Kuldeep Yadav could not believe that it was dropped as Jaiswal completely misjudged the ball at the boundary line. South Africa are 118/1 after 20 overs.

There is an umpire's review for a stumping after Aiden Markram was beaten off a Ravindra Jadeja delivery. KL Rahul was confident and he appealed. The umpire sent it upstairs and the replays showed that Markram was safe. South Africa 97/1 after 17 overs.

Aiden Markram gets to his half-century off 52 deliveries. This is his 15th ODI fifty. He is in rhythm in this match and the longer he stays, the more threatening it will be for India.

Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram have rebuilt the South Africa innings since Quinton De Kock's wicket. They have already added a 50-run stand and the partnership could be threatening for India. South Africa 83/1 after 15.

With spin attack from both ends, Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram are going on the attack. Markram has been flawless so far with 41 off 45 and is closing in on a fifty.

Temba Bavuma has had a slow start with Washington Sundar also bowling a super over to the end 10th. South Africa are 51/1 after 10 with Aiden Markram unbeaten on 32.

Change in bowling for India as Prasidh Krishna is introduced to the attack after a four-over spell by Arshdeep Singh. And in his first over, he has hurt Temba Bavuma with a sharp delivery that stung him onthe elbow.

Temba Bavuma is the new batter on the crease at No 3 after Arshdeep removed Quinton de Kock. Bavuma missed out on the 1st ODI as he was rested following the Test series.

Quinton de Kock falters again. India have an early breakthrough as Arshdeep dismisses De Kock. Washington Sundar takes an easy catch as De Kock tries to go aerial on a full delivery but gives away a top-edge. South Africa 26/1 after 4.5 overs.

Good return by Rana after an expesnive first. He can turn out to be an asset for the team, if he remains consistent. South Africa 25/0 in 4 overs.

After HArshit Rana leaks 13 in his first over, Arshdeep makes amends and gives away only 4 runs in his. Wickets will be the key; Despite a good bowling pitch, there is due, and gripping the ball would be difficult. SA are 22/0 in 3 overs.

Arshdeep Singh has the new ball in his hand and he would be loking for early wickets here. It is a steep target on a slowish pitch. An appeal for an LBW and it's not out, reviewed. The over ends with a four. South Africa 5/0 after 1 over.

Jadeja and Rahul have decimated the SA bowlers; Corbin Bosch comes up with an expensive last over here. 18 runs come from the over as India end at 358/5 in their 50 overs.

Another milestone comes up for India in the innings, as Jadeja and Rahul bring together 50 partnership, and that too in 46 balls. But Ngidi has come up with a brilliant over. India340/5 in 49 overs.

Batting at no. 5, KL RAhul has struck a 33-ball 50. He is a making a comeback of sorts in this position. What has been wonderful from him is, he has kept up the run flow in this innings. He has run well between the wickets as well. India 336/5 in 48 overs.

It has been a strange kind of an innings. Boundaries have come down now, but the batters are dealing in singles and doubles. India 327/5 in 47 overs now, with three to go.

KL Rahul has played well till now, and he would want to take the team the team to 350. He is getting close to his own fifty as well. India 317/5 in 45 overs.

Virat Kohli now holds the record for most tons in a single batting position -- 46 at no. 3, to surpass Sachin Tendulkar


Most 100s at a batting position in a format in Intl Cricket

46 - 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶 in ODIs (at No.3)*
45 - Sachin in ODIs (as Opener)
44 - Sachin in Test (at No.4)
37 - Sangakkara in Test (at No.3)
35 - Kallis in Test (at No.4)
33 - Gavaskar in Test (as Opener) pic.twitter.com/fGDPCgn4pz

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) December 3, 2025

The Indians are in a comfortable position for now, but what is a safe total here? Perhaps 320? That should be achieved rather quickly as KL Rahul looks set. India 295/5 in 42 overs.

Washington Sundar's painful stay at the wicket has come to an end. He is run out for 1 from 8, as there is some miscommunication with KL Rahul. India 289/5 after 41 overs.

Washington Sundar and KL Rahul have exchanged their spots. Sundar has come to bat at No 6 today. In Ranchi, Rahul batted at No 6 and Sundar batted at No 5. India 284/4 after 40 overs.

Virat Kohli gets a standing ovation as he departs for 102. Lungi Ngidi gets the prized wicket as Kohli leaves the field after smashing his third consecutive century against South Africa in ODIs.

Nandre Burger is walking off after bowling just one delivery in his 7th over. The physio is accompanying him after he injured his hamstring. That is not a good sign for South Africa. Aiden Markram will bowl the remaining deliveries. India 276/3 after 38.1.

Virat Kohli gets his 53rd ODI ton, 84th international century and 7th ODI ton vs South Africa. This is the 10th time that he has scored two consecutive centuries. The record-breaker continues his fine run of form after those two ducks on return to cricket. In Ranchi, he hit 135, and in Raipur, he has hit his century off 90 deliveries. 

The 195-run stand is broken as Marco Jansen dismisses Ruturaj Gaikwad for 105 with a slow bouncer. Tony de Zorzi fumbled but in the end, he managed to hold on to the catch. India lose their 3rd wicket for 257 but Gaikwad leaves the field with the crowd standing up and applauding him.

Ruturaj Gaikwad smashes his maiden ODI century off just 77 deliveries. All the criticism of not delivering in India colours are in the past now. Gaikwad has just hit his first century, in front of the ODI master Virat Kohli.

A spectacular maiden ODI CENTURY comes up from Ruturaj Gaikwad ✨🏏

📸: JioHotstar #INDvSA #ODIs #Raipur #Insidesport #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/24NrAPhTF0

— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) December 3, 2025

Virat Kohli is marching towards his second consecutive century as he moves to 90s off just 77 deliveries. In Raipur, he hammered 135 and now for his 52nd ODI ton. Now, he is nearing 53rd ODI century.

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli have brought up a 150-run stand for the 3rd wicket off 133 balls.

#ViratKohli 🤝 #RuturajGaikwad️

Fifty up for both the batters as they keep #TeamIndia’s momentum rolling! 💙🔥#INDvSA 2nd ODI, LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/uUUTmm025J pic.twitter.com/skby1SmRVz

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 3, 2025

30 overs gone and India are in a commanding position. Ruturaj Gaikwad is batting on 87 while Virat Kohli is on 64. He has taken the backseat with Gaikwad taking the lead. India are 207/2 after 30 overs.

Ruturaj Gaikwad is going after Keshav Maharaj and with 4, 2, 6, 0, 4 in his over, he goes past his highest score in ODIs. He looks set for his maiden century in ODIs.

Virat Kohli has broken yet another Sachin Tendulkar record. This was his 26th ODI fifty against South Africa and with that, he surpassed Tendulkar for most fifty+ scores against South Africa.

Most 50+ Scores v SA in Intl
(Indians)

26 - 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶*
25 - Sachin Tendulkar
21 - Rahul Dravid
18 - Sourav Ganguly
13 - M Azharuddin
12 - Ajinkya Rahane
12 - Rohit Sharma pic.twitter.com/bfIqcwccA0

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) December 3, 2025

Virat Kohli has hit third consecutive 50+ score in ODIs now. He was rusty when he returned to competitive cricket and scored two consecutive ducks. Since then, he hit a fifty and a century. Today, in Raipur, Kohli gets to his 76th fifty off 47 deliveries.

Back to back FIFTY from King Kohli against the Proteas 💥

📸: JioHotstar #INDvSA #ODIs #Raipur #Insidesport #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/SCKwKKVdRL

— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) December 3, 2025

Ruturaj Gaikwad has faced a lot of criticism for not being able to shine in international cricket. He was dismissed for 8 in the 1st ODI when Dewald Brevis took an excellent catch. But today, he has responded in style. Gaikwad gets to his half-century off 51 deliveries. This is his second half-century in ODIs.

Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad are closing in on their half-centuries. Kohli is on 45 while Gaikwad is on 44. This is Gaikwad's only third double-digit score in ODIs and he looks set for a big one in Raipur.

Virat Kohli looks set for another big score and he is showing his intent in Raipur after Ranchi masterclass.

Vintage @imVkohli vibes! 🔥#TeamIndia batters are showing intent & keeping the scoreboard ticking fast! 💙🏏#INDvSA 2nd ODI, LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/uUUTmm025J pic.twitter.com/6CaSSRf6Qw

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 3, 2025

Kohli and Gaikwad bring up 50 partnership in 55 deliveries. This just goes on to show, that it has not been easy to bat. All those extras conceded could hurt South Africa.

This Raipur surface is the kind where the bowlers are getting good assistance, but then quality batting is at also display from the Indians. The realistic target here could be 270-280. Anything in excess could be a bonus.

As expected, the pitch is playing its tricks. But then Ruturaj and Kohli are looking really good here. Another paddle sweep from Rutu that results in a boundary. 
India 84/2 in 13 overs.

Jaiswal has thrown his wicket away, and Jansen has his number again. A short one and the batter can't control. A mishit, and he is caught by Bosch; out for 22.
India 62/2.

Virat Kohli hs made his intentions clear already. He wants to score a few quick runs here. He already has a six and a boundary here. Raipur crowd could be in for a treat here.
India 58/1

Oh, Rohit has edged one from Burger. He doesn't look too sure about that one, but the ultraedge confirms it. He is out for 14 from 8.
India 40/1 in 4.5 overs.

We’ve seen this before.... iykyk 😉#YashasviJaiswal kicks off the innings with a first-ball boundary… for the 2nd match in a row! 🔥💥#INDvSA 2nd ODI, LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/uUUTmm025J pic.twitter.com/V3KyHWfyJz

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 3, 2025

Somehow, Ngidi and Burger haven't got their lines right. They are conceding too many extras at the moment, while the Indian batters look decently comfortable. And into 13 mins, SA have bowled only two overs.
India 22/0 in 2 overs.

Nandre Burger starts the proceedings and Jaiswal starts the proceedings with a four. The bowler follows it up with five wides, but then he comes back well. 14 runs come from the over.
India 14/0 after 1 over.

It is time now. Players are ready, India would like to wrap up the series here itself. Let's see what the Indian openers can manage, but all eyes will be on Virat Kohli.

South Africa have made three changes with Temba Bavuma, Keshav Maharaj and Lungi Ngidi coming back in. 

1. Quinton de Kock (WK)
2. Aiden Markram
3. Temba Bavuma (C)
4. Matthew Breetzke
5. Tony de Zorzi
6. Dewald Brevis
7. Marco Jansen
8. Corbin Bosch
9. Keshav Maharaj
10. Nandre Burger
11. Lungi Ngidi

India are going unchanged. That means Rishabh Pant has no place in the Playing XI once again. 

1. Rohit Sharma
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
3. Virat Kohli
4. Ruturaj Gaikwad
5. Washington Sundar
6. KL Rahul(w/c)
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Harshit Rana
9. Kuldeep Yadav
10. Arshdeep Singh
11. Prasidh Krishna

Temba Bavuma is back for South Africa after missing the 1st ODI. He leads the side, replacing Aiden Markram. And India have extended their toss jinx to 20 matches now. That is 1/1048576 chance. Phew! South Africa opt to bowl in Raipur, with the dew going to be a huge factor.

Since the 2023 World Cup final, India have lost 19 tosses on the trot in ODIs. In those matches, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul captained but the toss luck did not change. Can India end that jinx in Raipur?

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are ready. The two stalwarts did not look rusty despite a month-long break from competitive cricket. Kohli hit his record 52nd ODI century in Ranchi while Rohit Sharma hit 57 off 51. 

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Fresh off a hard-fought 17-run triumph in Ranchi that exposed both teams' depths, India and South Africa converge in Raipur for a series-defining second ODI. The hosts, led by KL Rahul, showcased batting firepower with Virat Kohli's 52nd ODI ton anchoring a 349/8 total, while Rohit Sharma's six-hitting spree etched history. Yet, their death bowling faltered, allowing South Africa's lower order – spearheaded by Jansen's blistering 70 off 39 and Bosch's gritty 67 – to mount a thrilling 332-run chase, falling just short thanks to Kuldeep Yadav's spin wizardry (4/68). Harshit Rana's early burst (2/38) dismantled the Proteas' top, but dew and depth tested India's resolve.

South Africa, captained by the returning Temba Bavuma (rested in the opener), must fix their fragile top order after slumping to 11/3. Aiden Markram's interim leadership couldn't stem the collapse, but the middle-order resilience offers hope. Raipur's balanced surface, with early seam aid transitioning to spin-friendly middle overs and dew-favouring chases, could tilt the scales. India eyes a clean sweep to build World Cup momentum; South Africa seeks parity. Expect fireworks from Kohli-Rohit at the top and a seam-spin battle under lights. A high-scoring thriller awaits, with dew potentially crowning the toss-winner.

Raipur's Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, India's third-largest cricket venue (capacity: 65,000), hosts its second ODI. The pitch offers a balanced contest: early seam movement and bounce aid pacers like Harshit Rana and Nandre Burger under day-night conditions, with good carry for the new ball. As the game progresses, it turns tacky, favouring spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Keshav Maharaj in the middle overs.

Batters can dominate if set, but the surface wears, assisting disciplined bowling. Dew is a major factor in evening chases, making teams prefer bowling first – as seen in the venue's lone prior ODI (India bowled NZ out for 108 chasing 350/8 in 2023, but lower-order resistance nearly stole it). Average 1st inns score: ~229 (List A); expect 280-320 here for a par total. Weather: Sunny, 28-30°C daytime, dropping to 15°C evenings; no rain interruptions.