South Africa produced a remarkable run-chase under pressure to defeat India by four wickets, successfully chasing a huge target of 359 in 49.2 overs in what turned out to be an absolute humdinger of a contest. With this victory, the visitors levelled the three-match ODI series 1–1, stunning India in front of a packed Raipur crowd.
India Set Up a Mammoth Total After Kohli–Gaikwad’s Monumental Stand
South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bowl first, reading an abrasive surface that was expected to assist seamers early. However, India got off to a blazing start in the Powerplay, scoring freely and putting pressure back on the visitors.
Despite South Africa claiming a couple of wickets inside the first 11 overs, India seized control through a monumental 195-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, both going on to score superb centuries. They dominated the middle overs, punishing loose deliveries and rotating strike seamlessly.
Both batters departed soon after reaching three-figures, forcing India to rebuild as KL Rahul had to dig deep to maintain momentum. Lungi Ngidi bowled exceptionally well in the middle phase and at the death, but a steady fifty from Rahul combined with a costly final over from Corbin Bosch propelled India to a formidable 358.
South Africa’s Chase: Early Pressure, Partnerships, and Drama
Chasing 359, South Africa began watchfully but lost Quinton de Kock early, as Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana bowled tight initial spells. However, Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram counterattacked brilliantly, stitching together a composed century stand that dragged South Africa back into the contest.
Bavuma fell just four short of a fifty, caught off Prasidh Krishna, but the innings gained real thrust as Matthew Breetzke (68) anchored confidently while Markram continued to dominate, reaching a magnificent 110. Markram’s dismissal briefly tilted momentum towards India as the required rate began climbing, boosted by a sharp spell from Harshit Rana.
Dewald Brevis then turned the game again, smashing a quick-fire 54, putting India under serious pressure as boundaries flowed freely. Just when South Africa seemed in control, the match swung again: the Proteas lost three wickets in four overs, and Tony de Zorzi retired hurt, suddenly exposing the lower order.
At that moment, one more wicket could have put India on top — but South Africa found unlikely heroes.
Corbin Bosch Delivers the Ice-Cold Finish
With momentum shifting wildly, Corbin Bosch played a decisive cameo, displaying remarkable clarity and composure under extreme pressure. He smashed 29 off just 15 deliveries*, supported calmly by Keshav Maharaj, and together they guided South Africa home in the final over.
Bosch sealed the result in spectacular style:
Corbin presents the full face of the bat and times the drive to the left of mid-on for a boundary. South Africa ace a big chase to draw level in the series!
It was a finish befitting a classic thriller — the stadium frozen, tension sky-high, and South Africa erupting in celebration.
Historical Perspective
Only the 3rd time South Africa have chased 350+ in ODIs.
Only the 2nd time India have failed to defend 350+ in their history.
One of the highest successful ODI chases ever against India on Indian soil.
India fought well against the dew but couldn’t find enough consistency with the ball to take them over the line.
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