Raipur, Dec 3 (NationPress) With remarkable centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, along with an impressive unbeaten 66 from captain KL Rahul, India amassed a formidable score of 358/5 in their 50 overs against South Africa during the second ODI at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday.

Gaikwad exhibited exceptional skill against spinners, transitioning from a fifty in 52 balls to achieve his maiden ODI century off 77 balls, ultimately scoring 105 off 83 deliveries. Kohli, continuing his fine form from Ranchi, hammered 102 off 93 balls, marking his second consecutive century in the series, and raising his total to 53 ODI centuries and 84 overall in international cricket.

Following a stellar 195-run partnership for the third wicket, Rahul bolstered India's innings by swiftly reaching a half-century in just 33 balls, finishing unbeaten on 66 off 43 deliveries. He was notably reprieved on 44 by Matthew Breetzke, and those extra runs could prove detrimental for South Africa.

Ravindra Jadeja contributed with 24 not out, as he partnered with Rahul to add 69 runs for the sixth wicket, pushing India past the crucial 350-run threshold. With dew anticipated later in the evening, India’s total presents a daunting challenge for South Africa.

After opting to bat first, openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal faced tough bowling as South Africa’s seamers sought swing. However, the Proteas struggled with control, as a returning Lungi Ngidi delivered four wides in his opening over, while Nandre Burger conceded 14 runs, including two boundaries from Jaiswal.

Rohit attempted to capitalize on Burger’s errant bowling, hitting three boundaries, but fell for 14 when he edged behind to Quinton de Kock after a review confirmed the dismissal. Jaiswal, looking to pull a sharp short ball from Marco Jansen, mistimed and fell for 22.

Throughout, the Raipur crowd erupted when Kohli launched Ngidi for six, showcasing his wristwork with a boundary off Jansen. Despite Jansen's short-pitched bowling targeting Gaikwad, he remained unfazed, clearing long leg for six after sweeping Keshav Maharaj for two boundaries.

Kohli broke free against Corbin Bosch by driving straight past mid-on and followed with a stunning cover drive against Aiden Markram. Both batsmen reached their half-centuries in consecutive overs, with Kohli achieving it off 47 balls and Gaikwad off 52 balls.

After Kohli glanced Maharaj for four, Gaikwad showcased his attacking prowess against the left-arm spinner, hitting two fours and a six in the 28th over. He then dismantled Bosch with a series of boundaries, while Kohli surged into the 90s with a powerful straight drive that nearly took out his partner.

Gaikwad's century arrived on his 77th ball, pulling Bosch for four, celebrated with a heartfelt embrace with Kohli. Jansen eventually dismissed Gaikwad for 105 with a slower offcutter, resulting in a standing ovation from the crowd for his stellar innings.

Fans were further delighted when Kohli secured back-to-back ODI hundreds for the 11th time in his career with a single to long-on, celebrating with his iconic jump and shout of gratitude. His innings concluded at 102 when Ngidi deceived him with a slower ball, leading to a catch at long-on.

Washington Sundar had a brief stint, run out for just one after a mix-up with Rahul, who quickly lifted the scoring rate with aggressive shots. Rahul reached his second consecutive fifty off 34 balls, cutting Jansen for four. A series of lofty hits from him and Jadeja in the final over helped India reach 18 runs, crossing the crucial 350-mark.

Brief scores:

India 358/5 in 50 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 105, Virat Kohli 102; Marco Jansen 2-63, Nandre Burger 1-43) against South Africa.