South Africa Chase Record 359 to Beat India in Raipur Thriller

South Africa produced one of the greatest run chases in modern one-day cricket, hunting down a target of 359 to beat India in a high-scoring clash in Raipur. The extraordinary victory, achieved with four balls to spare, leveled the series and etched the Proteas into ODI history.

India, batting first on a batting-friendly surface, appeared to have done more than enough. Virat Kohli delivered a commanding century, anchoring the innings with trademark precision, while Ruturaj Gaikwad added flair and aggression with his maiden ODI hundred. Their partnership powered India to a formidable 358 for 5, a total that looked imposing under the evening lights.

But South Africa responded with remarkable composure. Captain Aiden Markram led from the front with a beautifully measured century, keeping the chase alive through tight phases and relentless Indian pressure. His innings was supported by bursts of brilliance from the middle order, including quick-fire contributions that maintained the required run rate even as boundaries became harder to find.

As dew began to settle on the outfield, India’s bowlers struggled for grip and control, a disadvantage South Africa capitalized on with precision hitting and intelligent strike rotation. Missed chances in the field compounded India’s frustrations, allowing the visitors to stay ahead at crucial moments.

With the match hanging in the balance in the final overs, the South African lower order showed remarkable nerve. Calm finishing under pressure brought the target down before Corbin Bosch sealed the chase in the 50th over, completing a performance that will be remembered as one of the nation’s finest ODI victories.

For India, the loss will sting. Two centuries at the top set a dominant platform, but a slower final phase of their winnings, combined with the challenges of bowling in heavy dew, left the door open for South Africa’s fearless pursuit.

As the series heads to its decider, the momentum has swung firmly toward the Proteas, who have announced themselves as a team capable not only of chasing big totals but of rewriting record books in the process.