Eman 
ZeeaK 
The three-match ODI series between India and South Africa is now fiercely leveled at 1-1 after the Proteas secured a phenomenal four-wicket victory in the second ODI at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. South Africa achieved the victory by successfully completing a chase of 359 runs with four balls remaining—a feat that ranks among the team’s greatest successful run chases.
First Innings: India Posts Mammoth 358/5
After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, South Africa’s bowlers struggled to contain a dominant Indian batting performance that posted a formidable total of 358 for 5.
- Top Order Start: Rohit Sharma provided a blistering start (14 off 8 balls) before his early dismissal. Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed 22 runs.
- Kohli and Rahul Power: The innings was driven by the established middle order, featuring a century from Virat Kohli and a substantial contribution from Captain KL Rahul (60 runs). Ruturaj Gaikwad and Washington Sundar also added key runs.
- Bowling Effort: Despite the high score, South Africa’s attack, featuring Marco Jansen, Nandre Burger, Corbin Bosch, and Lungi Ngidi, managed to share the wickets, with four different bowlers claiming two wickets each.
Second Innings: A Record-Breaking Recovery
Chasing 359, South Africa’s innings suffered a disastrous start but resulted in one of the highest successful ODI chases in their history.
- Early Turmoil: The Proteas were immediately rocked by the loss of three key batsmen—including the ducks of Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton—for a combined total of just 11 runs.
- The Comeback: Staring down defeat, the batting unit mounted a spectacular rally. Matthew Breetzke (72 runs) and Tony de Zorzi (39 runs) provided the necessary stabilization.
- Late Firepower: The chase was brought within reach by powerful hitting from the lower middle order, with Marco Jansen (70 runs) and Corbin Bosch (67 runs) ensuring the required rate remained manageable. Their collective aggression took the score to 362 for 6, sealing the unexpected win.
- Indian Bowlers Face Pressure: India’s attack, despite having a massive total to defend, faced immense pressure. Kuldeep Yadav led the wicket-takers with four scalps, while Harshit Rana secured three wickets, but the cumulative firepower of the South African lineup proved too great to contain.
The stunning series-leveling chase sets up a thrilling decider in the final match.
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Image Credits : My Cricket Highlights 2
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