India lead by 358 runs against South Africa in 2nd ODI
Twin Tons Power India to Dominating Total in Raipur ODI
Raipur, December 3, 2025 – India’s batting might was on full display at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium today, as two spectacular centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad propelled the hosts to an imposing total of 358/5 in the second One Day International against South Africa. The formidable score, built on a brilliant 195-run partnership, has given India a commanding 358-run lead (as of the innings break, assuming South Africa’s innings is yet to commence/is at 0 runs), placing them firmly on track to seal the three-match series with a game to spare.
The start of the match was already a talking point, as South Africa’s returning captain, Temba Bavuma, won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that appeared questionable by the end of the Indian innings. While the visitors made early inroads, dismissing the in-form openers cheaply, the Proteas’ bowlers failed to contain the middle-order maestros.
The Gaikwad-Kohli Masterclass
India’s early stutter saw Rohit Sharma (14) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) depart within the powerplay. Left-arm pacer Nandre Burger claimed the prized wicket of Rohit, while Marco Jansen accounted for Jaiswal, leaving India at a slightly shaky 70 for 2. This brought Virat Kohli, fresh off a spectacular 52nd ODI century in Ranchi, to the crease to join Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was slotted in at number four. What followed was a masterclass in controlled aggression and partnership building that broke the back of the South African attack.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, batting for the first time in the ODI format at number four for the national side, played an innings of immense maturity and flair. He counter-attacked smartly, using the turn-friendly conditions to find gaps and boundaries. Gaikwad reached his maiden ODI century off just 77 balls, a memorable milestone that anchored the middle overs. He fell soon after for a splendid 105 off 83 balls, an innings embellished with 12 fours and 2 sixes, finally caught off the bowling of Marco Jansen.
On the other end, Virat Kohli continued his vintage run of form. He started steadily, converting singles and doubles before accelerating seamlessly. Kohli brought up his second successive century of the series and a monumental 53rd ODI hundred overall, reaching the milestone in just 89 deliveries. His innings of 102 off 93 balls (7 fours, 2 sixes) was textbook ODI batting, concentrating on running hard between the wickets and punishing anything loose. He also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most fifty-plus scores against South Africa in international cricket, underlining his dominance against the Proteas. Kohli’s eventual dismissal, attempting a big shot off Lungi Ngidi, was a minor blip in an otherwise flawless performance, having established a massive 195-run stand with Gaikwad.
India lead by 358 runs against South Africa in 2nd ODI
The platform set by the centurions was capitalised upon perfectly by stand-in skipper KL Rahul. Maintaining his excellent form from the previous match, Rahul ensured the momentum never dipped. He unleashed a brilliant cameo, smashing an unbeaten 66 off just 43 balls (6 fours, 2 sixes), adding the finishing touch to take India’s total well beyond the 350-mark. A brief run-out of Washington Sundar (1) was the only hiccup in the final few overs, but Rahul’s aggression, supported by Ravindra Jadeja, saw India post 358/5 in their fifty overs.
The South African bowlers, despite an improved performance in the middle overs compared to the Ranchi thriller, ultimately paid the price for their captain’s decision to bowl first. Marco Jansen (2/58) and Lungi Ngidi (2/71) were the only ones to find some success, but the overall performance was lacklustre, with the twin centuries inflicting significant damage.
Set a daunting target of 359 on a pitch that is expected to slow down and offer more turn later in the game, the pressure is immense on South Africa’s top order. Given the thrilling fight they put up in the first ODI, the visitors will need an exceptional batting effort, likely spearheaded by the returning Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock, to keep the series alive. India, with the series victory within touching distance, will be licking their lips, ready to unleash their potent bowling attack.
India Batting Scorecard (2nd ODI vs South Africa)
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Rohit Sharma: 14 (8)
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Yashasvi Jaiswal: 22 (38)
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Virat Kohli: 102 (93)
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Ruturaj Gaikwad: 105 (83)
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Washington Sundar: 1 (8)
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KL Rahul: 66* (43)
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Ravindra Jadeja: 25* (15)
Total: 358/5 (50 Overs)
