It’s been back-to-back big-scoring thrillers, and this time around, the Proteas emerged victorious in Raipur.

India began briskly yet again, and some wayward lines and lengths from the South African bowlers only helped them along. However, Rohit Sharma’s quick start came to a quick end when he edged behind.

But the stars of the show were undoubtedly Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was playing his first ODI series in 2 years. 

Kohli reached his 53rd ODI ton, and that was the tenth occasion when he notched up consecutive ODI tons in two games. 

Gaikwad got to his first century slightly faster, and the Proteas bowlers all got their share of punishment along the way.

Following both their dismissals, India lost a bit of momentum, but a 43-ball 66 from stand-in skipper KL Rahul ensured a solid finish. The pacers managed to pull things back a little at the back end, but India were already north of 350 at halftime.

The chase wasn’t off to an ideal start, with another flop for Quinton de Kock. Fortunately, Aiden Markram and captain Temba Bavuma were able to dig in and put together a century stand when it was badly needed. Prasidh Krishna finally broke the stand, but Matthew Breetzke at #4 continued to keep the ball rolling.

The highlight was Aiden Markram reaching a brilliant 4th century. His innings expertly shepherded more than half the chase, but just when the visitors were edging ahead, Harshit Rana sent him back with a slower bouncer.

But make no mistake, it was a familiar arrival for the entertainer, Dewald Brevis. The powerful right-hander struck 5 maximums in his 54, and brought the asking rate below 8. Then again, what looked to be smooth sailing for SA would end up getting dicey at the death.

Kuldeep Yadav had Brevis holing out to long-on, and Prasidh Krishna trapped Breetzke LBW. All of a sudden, there were two new batters at the crease. Marco Jansen was the next to go, when an ill-advised big shot went straight to long-off.

And with Tony de Zorzi retiring hurt with a hamstring strain, it was getting nervous. But a 15-ball unbeaten 29 from Corbin Bosch at #8 sealed the deal under pressure. It might’ve been below a run a ball, but the runs off Bosch’s bat were gold dust.

Game 3 is on Saturday in Visakhapatnam, and we shall see who prevails in this pulsating ODI series.

IND 358/5 in 50 overs (Gaikwad 105, Kohli 102 – Jansen 10-0-63-2)

SA 362/6 in 49.2 overs (Markram 110, Breetzke 68, Brevis 54 – Arshdeep 10–0-54-2)