MARKRAM ROCKET: South Africa breathtaking 110 off 98 balls the high-stakes ODI vs. India! Read about his clutch century and the match details.
MARKRAM ROCKET: South Africa Star BLASTS 110 Against India in High-Octane ODI
Raipur, December 3, 2025 – In an innings of stunning power and sublime timing, South African star Aiden Markram unleashed a blistering century in the 2nd One-Day International against India today at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur. Markram’s exhilarating knock of 110 runs off just 98 balls single-handedly kept the Proteas’ chasing hopes alive after India had posted a formidable total.
The day began with South Africa winning the toss and electing to field first, a decision that initially looked questionable as the Indian batting unit fired on all cylinders.
The Indian Power Play
The Indian innings was built on the back of a twin century effort that crushed the morale of the South African bowlers. After the early loss of opener Rohit Sharma (14) and the in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal (22), it was the veteran combination of Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad who took control. The duo stitched together a massive third-wicket partnership that powered India to a daunting score. Gaikwad was the chief aggressor, bringing up his maiden ODI century (105) with a mix of elegant drives and powerful strikes, before being dismissed. Kohli followed up his previous match’s heroics with another magnificent ton (102), cementing his golden run of form.
The final surge came from the bat of KL Rahul, who scored an explosive, unbeaten 66 runs, propelling India to an imposing total of 358/5 in their allotted 50 overs. The target of 359 was a mountainous challenge, even on the good batting surface in Raipur.
Markram’s Counter-Attack
South Africa‘s chase began nervously, losing opener Quinton de Kock (QDK) cheaply in the seventh over, bringing the required run rate under immediate pressure. The stage was set for a collapse, but Aiden Markram, batting at number three, had other ideas.
He joined skipper Temba Bavuma, and the pair set about stabilizing the innings, converting ones into twos and punishing any width offered by the Indian pace battery. Markram quickly found his rhythm, displaying an impeccable array of strokes, especially through the off-side. His first fifty came up steadily, but it was after this milestone that he truly switched gears.
As the chase reached its critical middle overs, Markram transformed into the “Markram Rocket.” He started targeting the spinners, using his feet brilliantly against Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja to find the boundaries. A lofted straight six off Jadeja in the 27th over was a shot of pure confidence, soaring over the sightscreen.
He raced to his fourth ODI century—his first against India—in just 88 balls, a fantastic effort in a high-pressure chase. His innings was a dazzling display of controlled aggression, featuring 10 fours and 4 sixes.
The Decisive Twist
Markram’s century, while magnificent, was played against the backdrop of losing partners. Captain Temba Bavuma (46) provided crucial support but fell to a perfect length ball from Prasidh Krishna, breaking a vital stand. However, Markram continued to smash the ball, keeping South Africa abreast of the daunting asking rate.
The turning point came in the 30th over. Looking to keep the scoring rate high, Markram attempted a risky lofted shot off fast bowler Harshit Rana. The ball went high towards long-on, where a well-positioned Washington Sundar completed a crucial catch, ending Markram’s heroic innings at 110 off 98 balls. At his dismissal, the score read 197/3 in the 30th over.
Despite the monumental effort and the individual brilliance of Markram, his dismissal was a massive blow, swinging the momentum firmly back in India’s favour. The remainder of the South African batting order faced an uphill task to chase the remaining 162 runs at an increasing required rate, with the Indian bowlers tightening their lines.
The final result of the match will determine the series, but regardless of the outcome, Aiden Markram’s breathtaking century will be remembered as a stunning exhibition of courage and class under immense pressure.
