IndiaScored 358 runs in Raipur and set the stage for another strong ODI match, which featured centuries. Virat Kohli And Ruturaj GaikwadHurt by the initial defeat, South Africa came out with pressure in every over while chasing the target of 359 runs, India started strongly with fast attacks Arshdeep Singh And Prasidh KrishnaBut aiden markram Kept the visitors steady with remarkable civility. His century not only instilled confidence but also reopened a target that many felt he had missed early on. With the wicket in hand and the momentum rising, the match entered an exciting middle phase where both teams picked up the pace.
IND vs SA, 2nd ODI: Aiden Markram’s brilliant century keeps South Africa hopeful
Markram played one of his finest ODI innings under pressure, scoring a composed but emphatic century that kept South Africa firmly in the chase despite early setbacks, starting with his impeccable reading of the length and precise timing against India’s powerplay seamers and once he faced the early testing spells, coming into position to counter-attack, finding boundaries through beautiful cover drives and official pulls, forcing India to reconsider their lengths. Had to happen, and so on Temba Bavuma Just settled with him.
The pair put on a 101-run partnership that neutralized India’s early energy, with Markram bringing up his half-century off 52 balls and then scoring at a fast pace, even on a moderately short or overpitched ball. He brought up his century off 88 balls with ten fours and four sky-scraping sixes, turning a once-cool chase into a growing threat for Raipur, and even after Bavuma’s dismissal He continued to advance with Britzke and pushed the South Africans back. At 197/3 by the end of 30 overs, India were clearly worried as the dew settled and their spinners struggled to hold on, with Markram’s knock becoming the anchor, accelerator and emotional centerpiece of South Africa’s fightback, before his final dismissal brought the momentum to a halt as the chase reached its most dangerous phase.
IND vs SA, 2nd ODI: India retain control but South Africa stay alive as target reaches final stages
Despite Markram’s century putting the visitors in a competitive position, India retained control of the overall match situation thanks to disciplined control of the middle overs and smart rotation of their bowlers, which included early success from Arshdeep. quinton de kock And Bavuma’s dismissal by Prasidh prevented South Africa from ever achieving uninterrupted dominance Harshit RanaTight lines restricted the scoring during the brief lull before Markram’s acceleration, which ensured the required rate continued to rise.
earlier in the evening Kohli’s fluent 102 runsGaikwad’s explosives 105 more KL Rahul’Due to the fast-paced finishing bounce, the scoreboard pressure remained very high throughout the chase, which became even more intense as India’s fielders maintained pace and denied easy twos, and even when Britzke joined Markram to rebuild, the rising demand rate of almost nine per over weighed heavily on the Proteas, creating a scenario where a quiet over could have completely overturned the match, leaving Markram on 197. K was dismissed, leaving South Africa still needing 157 runs from 106 balls. India’s death specialists are set to make a comeback, turning the contest into a classic back-to-the-wall quest where India hold the lead but South Africa survive thanks to the foundation laid by their captain’s brilliant century.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Yes, the conditions are great for batting but this is some of the cleanest striking you will see from Markram.
Markram looks like a world class player on the song.
– Bharat Ramraj (@Fancricket12) 3 December 2025
Wow…wow…and wow!
What a sensational innings by Markram in the chase!
Cold as ice, yet blazing with fire!
fourth ODI century😱Third century in this ongoing match
#markram #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/h6xS9WsPIn– Er.Rajiv (@Rajiv_siait) 3 December 2025
Aiden Markram presents an amazing 💯!!! His first century while opening the batting for South Africa in ODIs!! What a beautiful knock 🔥🔥🔥🔥#crickettwitter #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/RnUYVnklFb
– Lawrence Bailey (@LawrenceBailey0) 3 December 2025
A well-deserved 100 for Aiden Markram, he was brilliant today. #INDvRSA
– Ishmael 🏴☠️☠️🇿🇦🇨🇩🇵🇸 (@mr_shammy) 3 December 2025
Excellent innings by Markram. SA has done half its work. There is pressure on the Indian bowlers to make this match tough by taking wickets at regular intervals.
— Shri Krishna 🏏🏀 (@1998ShriKrishna) 3 December 2025
Markram beats Jadeja. Big moment in sports. And then a hundred, pure square 👏👏 #INDvSA
– Shubh Aggarwal (@shubh_chintak) 3 December 2025
Markram’s strong century has put pressure on India to defend the huge score of 358 runs. South Africa’s never-say-die attitude and ambition has troubled India in Tests and ODIs as well.
– Cricketwala (@cricketwala) 3 December 2025
A hundred up!
Aiden Markram scored a brilliant century!
Strength, patience and accuracy! A world class innings at a crucial stage of the run chase. pic.twitter.com/2pgP2K4JNu
– Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) 3 December 2025
Amazing century Markram 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/pnmoRJdy7y
– Werner (@Werries_) 3 December 2025
Century in 88 balls for Aiden Markram in Raipur.#Cricket #INDvSA #2nd ODI pic.twitter.com/ZDeT6kjS9y
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 3 December 2025
