Raipur, Dec 3 (NationPress) A remarkable century from Aiden Markram, complemented by quick fifties from Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis, enabled South Africa to chase down a formidable target of 359 and defeat India by four wickets, leveling the three-match series at 1-1 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Wednesday.

After impressive centuries by Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad lifted India to 358/5 in their allotted 50 overs, Markram spearheaded the chase with an outstanding 110 off 98 balls. Breetzke’s agile 68 and Brevis’ dynamic 54 provided crucial support to secure the victory with just four balls remaining.

Markram’s century was pivotal to the Proteas' success, as he formed key partnerships of 101 and 70 with Temba Bavuma and Breetzke, capitalizing on a drop catch at 53 by Yashasvi Jaiswal. Breetzke and Brevis then contributed a vital 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket, maintaining the required run rate despite India’s costly errors in the field.

Corbin Bosch sealed the win with an unbeaten 29, ensuring that South Africa executed their third-highest ODI chase and silenced the home crowd in Raipur. This chase of 359 matches the joint-highest ever achieved against India in ODIs, equaling Australia’s feat in Mohali in 2019.

The chase started off strongly, with Markram and Quinton de Kock hitting five boundaries in the initial three overs. However, India struck back when Arshdeep Singh dismissed de Kock for 8. While Arshdeep and Harshit Rana put pressure on Markram, he showcased his skill once the initial threat faded.

Markram and Bavuma managed to hit a boundary each off Prasidh Krishna, concluding the first Power-play at 51/1. As dew began to settle, Markram grew bolder against spin, reaching his half-century off 52 balls. Kuldeep Yadav's entry provided little relief as Jaiswal dropped a catch, allowing Markram to advance to 53.

Eventually, Prasidh claimed Bavuma for 46 with a short ball, but Markram kept pushing forward, striking against Prasidh, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja. He scored his first ODI hundred as an opener in 88 balls, though his celebration was subdued, focused on the task ahead.

Markram was dismissed for 110 by a clever off-cutter from Rana, but Brevis raised the tempo with a six off Kuldeep and another innovative shot over the wicketkeeper against Arshdeep. Breetzke played more cautiously against the spin, punishing Prasidh with boundaries to maintain the required rate.

Breetzke reached his seventh fifty in just 11 ODI innings, while Brevis exhibited his flair with two sixes off Rana, racing to his half-century in just 33 balls before falling to Kuldeep while attempting another big hit.

Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi continued to score boundaries until Breetzke was trapped LBW by Prasidh for 68. Although de Zorzi had to retire hurt due to a hamstring injury, Bosch hit three boundaries to ensure South Africa crossed the finish line, setting up a thrilling decider in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.

Brief scores:

India: 358/5 in 50 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 105, Virat Kohli 102, KL Rahul 66 not out; Marco Jansen 2-63, Nandre Burger 1-43) lost to South Africa: 359/6 in 49.2 overs (Aiden Markram 110, Matthew Breetzke 68, Dewald Brevis 54, Temba Bavuma 45; Arshdeep Singh 2-54, Prasidh Krishna 2-82) by four wickets.