Virat Kohli 53rd ODI Century in Vain as South Africa Stun India by 4 Wickets in 2nd ODI

Virat Kohli 53rd ODI century highlights India vs South Africa 2nd ODI Raipur

In a thrilling high-scoring encounter at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, South Africa pulled off one of their finest ODI chases to defeat India by 4 wickets and level the three-match series 1-1. Despite a magnificent 53rd ODI hundred from Virat Kohli and a spectacular maiden century from Ruturaj Gaikwad, India’s total of 358/5 proved insufficient under heavy dew conditions.

Kohli and Gaikwad Power India to 358/5

India’s innings was built around a sublime 195-run partnership for the third wicket between Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad — the highest ever for India against South Africa in that position. Kohli, playing his first ODI series after returning from a short break, looked in sublime touch right from the start. The former captain brought up his 53rd ODI century off just 91 balls, equaling Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of most centuries in the 50-over format by an Indian.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who had been in sensational form in domestic cricket and the recent T20Is, finally converted his start into a big one at the international level. The Maharashtra opener smashed 105 off 83 deliveries, including 11 fours and 3 sixes, announcing himself on the big stage with authority. His innings was a perfect blend of elegance and power, complementing Kohli’s masterful strokeplay beautifully.

After the departure of both centurions, stand-in skipper KL Rahul took charge and played a blistering unbeaten knock of 66 off just 43 balls. Rahul’s late assault, which included 5 fours and 4 sixes, propelled India past the 350-run mark and gave the total an imposing look on a batting-friendly surface.

Aiden Markram Leads South Africa’s Historic Chase

Chasing 359 for victory — the highest successful chase ever at Raipur — South Africa got off to a solid start with Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma adding 68 for the opening stand. Although Prasidh Krishna removed Bavuma for 46, the real game-changer was Aiden Markram. The South African vice-captain played one of the finest ODI knocks by a Proteas batsman against India, scoring a brilliant 110 off 94 balls.

Markram survived a dropped catch on 53 when Yashasvi Jaiswal grassed a tough chance at long-on off Ravi Bishnoi’s bowling. From that moment, he took complete control, rotating strike intelligently and punishing loose deliveries. His century — the first by any South African against India in ODIs since AB de Villiers — was a mixture of classy drives, powerful pulls, and clever placement.

Dewald Brevis and Matthew Breetzke Keep Momentum Alive

After Markram’s departure, young Dewald Brevis announced himself with a breathtaking 54 off just 34 balls. The 22-year-old, often dubbed “Baby AB,” played fearless cricket, smashing boundaries at will and reducing the required rate significantly. His partnership of 92 runs in just 64 balls with Matthew Breetzke completely tilted the game in South Africa’s favour.

Breetzke, making his ODI debut series memorable, contributed a mature 68 off 62 deliveries. The 26-year-old right-hander rotated strike brilliantly and found boundaries when needed, ensuring South Africa never lost momentum even after losing quick wickets in the middle phase.

Dew Plays Spoilsport for Indian Bowlers

The heavy dew in the second innings made gripping the ball extremely difficult for Indian bowlers, especially the spinners. Ravi Bishnoi and Kuldeep Yadav, who were expected to play a big role, ended up being expensive and wicketless. Even the pacers struggled to execute yorkers and slower balls effectively as the ball became wet and slippery.

Arshdeep Singh was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/54, removing dangerous Brevis and later Andile Phehlukwayo at a crucial juncture. Prasidh Krishna, despite conceding 79 runs, picked up two important wickets including Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs. Debutant Harshit Rana showed promise but was taken apart in his 10 overs, finishing with 1/70.

Rare Defeat for India After Posting 350+

This loss marked only the second instance in ODI history where India failed to defend a total of 350 or more. The previous occasion was against Australia in Mohali in 2019 when the Men in Blue scored 358/9 but lost by 4 wickets. Historically, India have won 48 out of 50 ODIs when posting 350+ — making this defeat even more shocking.

For Virat Kohli personally, it was a bittersweet day. While he equalled Tendulkar’s record of 53 ODI centuries by an Indian, the result meant his masterful knock went in a losing cause — something that has happened only a few times in his illustrious career.

Series Now Perfectly Poised at 1-1

With the series now level at 1-1 after India’s dominating 130-run victory in the first ODI, the decider in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, December 6, 2025, promises to be an epic contest. Both teams have shown their batting firepower, and the team that handles pressure and conditions better on the day will lift the trophy.

For India, the return of regular captain Rohit Sharma is expected for the final match, which could provide the much-needed boost. South Africa, on the other hand, will be high on confidence after proving they can chase down any total against this Indian bowling attack.