India VS South Africa: Proteas to chase 358-run target in 2nd ODI after Virat Kohli fires another century

NEW RAPUR: India put on a commanding display with the bat in the 2nd ODI after Virat Kohli fired a century, setting South Africa a massive 358-run target to level the IND VS SA Series.

Earlier, South Africa elected to field first with an aim to restrict the opponent team to a limited total in the series decider.

INDIA Batting Line

India’s start was steady, with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring 22 and Rohit Sharma adding a quick 14. But it was the middle order that completely took control of the innings.

Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who came in after the departure of the top order batters, produced a sensational partnership. Each hammered a century to shift the momentum firmly in India’s favour, with 90 per cent prediction now side with victory for Men in blue. Gaikwad’s explosive 105 off 83 balls and Kohli’s classy 102 anchored the innings beautifully, leaving the South African bowlers struggling for breakthroughs.

With a strong platform set, captain KL Rahul accelerated the innings further, smashing an unbeaten 66 off just 43 balls. Ravindra Jadeja added a useful not-out 24 in the final overs as India wrapped up their innings at an imposing 358-5.

The Proteas now face a steep challenge, needing 358 runs to stay alive in the series. With the run rate pressure high and India holding an 90 per cent win probability by now, the chase promises to test South Africa’s resolve and batting depth.

IND vs SA first ODI

Men in blue defeated Proteas by 17 runs on Nov 30 to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI contest. The match saw high-quality batting, pressure bowling, and a tense finish as South Africa fell short while chasing a target of 350.