Aiden Markram became the first visiting South African opener in a decade to score an ODI hundred in India, hitting a brilliant 110 in the second ODI in Raipur on Wednesday. Not since Quinton de Kock in 2015 had a South African opener reached three figures on Indian soil, and for Markram, the milestone carried extra weight. It was his first ODI hundred in 25 innings as an opener, with his previous three centuries coming at No.4.
After falling early in Ranchi, he approached Raipur with more discipline as the new ball peeked before opening up once the movement died down. Rosa played into his hands later in the evening and the ball was coming down the bat as he produced a string of strikes to keep South Africa in touch with a challenging chase of 359.
IND vs SA, 2nd ODI Update
Markram moved to 99 with Ravindra Jadeja’s thunderous direct delivery before gentle pressure at long-on brought up his century from 88 balls. His celebrations were subdued as he was aware that South Africa still required 182 runs from 23 overs with eight wickets in hand.
However, his departure proved to be a turning point. Harshit Rana, operating in slippery conditions, masked the off-cutter that Markram pulled to Ruturaji Gaikwad. It was a significant strike for India and a reminder of why the team management holds Rana in such high regard, capable of taking wickets with both the new ball and the old.
The Proteas got off to a shaky start to their chase, losing De Kock for 8 in the fifth over before skipper Temba Bavuma stepped in to steady the innings. Bavuma added 101 with Markram, compiling 46 off 48 balls before falling as he tried to pick up the pace.
Matthew Breetzke, who had played a lively 72 in the series opener, arrived next door to keep the momentum going, but Markram’s dismissal tipped the balance. South Africa moved to 197 for 3 after 30 overs, still in sight of the target, but suddenly faced a rising pace requirement and India regaining control at a crucial stage of the contest.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
December 3, 2025
