Markram’s Mastery Overshadows Kohli-Gaikwad Brilliance in Thrilling ODI Clash

When you leave a packed stadium in silence, you’ve truly delivered an outstanding performance. South Africa achieved just that, initially through Aiden Markram’s remarkable century, followed by contributions from Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis. Their precise chase in the second ODI resulted in a four-wicket victory with four balls remaining, evening the series at 1-1 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium on Wednesday.

Setting out to chase a daunting target of 359, South Africa faced an early setback with the dismissal of opener Quinton de Kock. However, Markram’s skill and experience shone through, and he found strong support in captain Temba Bavuma. Together, they formed a pivotal 101-run partnership for the second wicket, setting the stage for success.

Markram (110 runs from 98 balls, including 10 fours and 4 sixes) was in superb form, accumulating nearly half of his runs in the ‘V’ region. He capitalized on a missed opportunity in the 18th over when Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped a straightforward catch at long-on off Kuldeep Yadav. After Markram’s dismissal, Breetzke (68 runs from 64 balls, 5 fours) and Brevis (54 runs from 34 balls, 1 four, 5 sixes) took measured risks, their 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket shifting the momentum in favor of the visitors. Corbin Bosch (29 not out from 15 balls, 4 fours) and Keshav Maharaj (10 not out from 14 balls) calmly guided the team to victory.

Earlier in the match, it was the Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli show. Gaikwad repaid the team’s confidence with his maiden ODI century (105 from 83 balls, 12 fours, 2 sixes). Batting at No. 4, he delivered a commanding and confident innings. Kohli, in top form, scored his second consecutive ODI century—his 53rd in this format and the 84th of his illustrious career across all formats. Kohli (102 runs from 93 balls, 7 fours, 2 sixes) and Gaikwad’s 195-run partnership for the third wicket was a spectacle for the audience.

The duo came together following the early dismissals of openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal before the 10th over. The former India captain looked threatening, hitting Nandre Burger for three consecutive fours, but the bowler struck back, leading to Rohit’s dismissal with an edge to the keeper.

Jaiswal, gaining confidence after a cautious start, was eventually dismissed by his rival, Marco Jansen, who has now claimed his wicket four times (including three in the recent Test series).

Kohli quickly demonstrated his dominance, hitting Lungi Ngidi for a six over square-leg soon after arriving at the crease. Alongside him, Gaikwad skillfully handled a barrage of short balls, with the pair maintaining a scoring rate of over a run-a-ball through sharp singles, well-timed doubles, and occasional boundaries. As they shifted gears, more boundaries followed, and Gaikwad reached his century with shots to deep midwicket, celebrating the moment with a leap and fist pump. Kohli soon followed, securing another international hundred.

Eventually, Jansen dismissed Gaikwad, while Ngidi claimed Kohli’s wicket.

Captain K.L. Rahul’s brisk unbeaten 66 off 43 balls (6 fours, 2 sixes) lifted India to a total of 358, but it was not enough to halt the determined South African team.

Published on December 3, 2025.