Kohli, Gaikwads tons in vain as South Africa beat India by 4 wickets in 2nd ODI to level series

Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad's centuries went in vain as South Africa beat India by four wickets in the 2nd ODI at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday, December 03. The Proteas rode on Aiden Markram's brilliant 110-run knock and half-centuries from Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis to chase down the target of 359 runs, recording their highest-ever chase in India and levelling the three-match series 1-1.

In the absence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, India's bowling woes were left exposed yet again as they failed to defend a total in excess of 350 runs. After a poor show in the series opener in Ranchi, where South Africa nearly pulled off a successful 350-run chase, Indian bowlers failed to impress once again in Raipur.

Markram starred in South Africa's successful run chase with his 9th ODI century, becoming the first visiting Proteas batter to score a century on Indian soil in a decade. After losing his opening partner Quinton de Kock cheaply on 8, Markram combined with skipper Temba Bavuma (46) to post a 101-run stand for the second wicket and get South Africa back on track.

Arshdeep Singh struck early to send De Kock packing cheaply, however, the Indian bowlers failed to capitalise as Markram and Bavuma resurrected South Africa's chase. Prasidh Krishna, who had a dismal day otherwise, provided India with a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Bavuma on 46 in the 21st over to break the partnership between him and Markram.

However, South Africa managed to recover once again as Breetzke continued his fine form with a measured knock of 68 runs off 64 balls. The right-hander added a crucial 70-run stand for the third wicket with Markram, who was dismissed by Harshit Rana in the 30th over.

Markram's departure did little to affect the visitors' momentum as they had the game in their hand after breaching the 200-run mark in the 30th over. Brevis' quickfire 34-ball 54 and Corbin Bosch's unbeaten 29 off 15 balls helped South Africa get over the line comfortably with 4 balls to spare.

It was a disappointing bowling performance from India as the hosts failed to defend a huge total of 358 runs. Prasidh was wayward with his line and length and deservingly returned with the most expensive figures of 2/82 off his 8.2 overs. Harshit Rana was also taken for runs as he ended up giving away 70 runs off his 10 overs, while managing a solitary wicket.

Kuldeep Yadav also endured a dismal outing and was taken to cleaners by the South Africa batters, who had no problems reading his deliveries. Kuldeep conceded 78 runs off his 10 overs, while managing a solitary wicket of Brevis. Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja bowled 11 overs between them and failed to take a wicket, while conceding 69 runs.

Earlier, Kohli and Gaikwad lit up the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur with brilliant centuries. Kohli continued his red-hot form with a second successive ton as he scored 102 off 93 balls, studded with seven fours and two sixes. It was the 11th instance of Kohli scoring back-to-back tons in ODIs, the most by any player in the format's history.

Kohli extended his tally of overall international tons to 84, being on track for Sachin Tendulkar's record of 100 tons. Gaikwad responded to his critics in style with a statement ton at no.4. The right-hander scored a fabulous 105 off just 83 deliveries, laced with 12 fours and two sixes.

Kohli and Gaikwad shared a phenomenal 195-run stand for the 4th wicket to set up the stage for a big total for India. However, the lower middle order failed to capitalise as the hosts could only reach 358/5 in 50 overs despite skipper KL Rahul's quickfire 66 at no.5.

After Kohli, Gaikwad's ton was the biggest positive for India on a disappointing night as the right-hander showcased his impeccable technique and range en route to his maiden ODI ton. Gaikwad nearly matched Kohli shot to shot during their partnership and emerged as the perfect partner for the senior batter, converting ones into twos with ease.

The dup put on a show in Raipur, however, they will be disappointed to see India end up on the losing side despite their magnificent tons. With the series now level at 1-1, both teams will have all to play for when they lock horns in the third ODI in Vizag on Saturday, December 06.