Kohli’s ton in vain as South Africa chase down huge total to level ODI series
- Last updated: December 3, 2025 | 21:27 ..
Virat Kohli’s second successive hundred was not enough as South Africa, aided by Aiden Markram’s ton, chased down a target of 359 to clinch a four-wicket win and level their one-day international (ODI) series 1-1 in Raipur on Wednesday.
India, who lost openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first 10 overs, regained their footing when Kohli (102) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (105) added 195 runs for the third wicket, before an unbeaten stand by captain KL Rahul (66) and Ravindra Jadeja helped them post 358-5.
Markram (110) scored his fourth ODI hundred in 88 balls, forming crucial partnerships with captain Temba Bavuma (46) and Matthew Breetzke (68), before Dewald Brevis scored a swift fifty as South Africa inched towards their target.
Tony de Zorzi added a quick 17 runs from 11 balls before he was forced to retire with a hamstring injury, but Corbin Bosch and Keshav Maharaj guided the visitors with four balls to spare, achieving South Africa’s third-biggest successful ODI run chase.
The decisive third match of the series will be played in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Rohit and young batter Tilak Varma unveiled India’s new jersey for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup during the innings break in the second ODI against South Africa at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday.
The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup will be played in India and Sri Lanka from Feb.7 to March 8. At the launch of the jersey with a deep blue and bold orange shade rolled out by kit provider Adidas, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia was also in attendance.
Rohit captained India to winning the 2024 T20 World Cup and immediately retired from the shortest format.
“It’s been a long journey. We won our first World Cup in 2007, and we had to wait more than 15 years to win the next one. It’s been a long road with plenty of ups and downs, but it felt great to lift the trophy again,” he said.
“Now, with the World Cup happening in India, it’s going to be an exciting tournament. My best wishes are always with the team, and I’m sure everyone will be behind them and supporting them for doing their best,” said Rohit, who is now the brand ambassador for the 2026 T20 World Cup, where India enters as defending champions.
Agencies