Markram ton leads South Africa to thrilling series-leveling victory

TDT | Agencies

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South Africa clinched a dramatic four-wicket victory over India in the second One Day International yesterday, successfully chasing a massive target of 359 to level the threematch series at 1-1.

The Player of the Match, Aiden Markram, was the architect of the successful chase, scoring a crucial 110 runs off 98 deliveries at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium.

Earlier, India posted a formidable total of 358 for five after being sent in to bat.

Their in- nings was highlighted by cen- turies from veterans Virat Kohli (102 off 93 balls) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (105 off 83 balls), who put on a massive 195-run partnership for the third wicket. Skipper KL Rahul provided the final push, smashing an unbeaten 66 off just 43 balls. South African fast bowlers Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi claimed two wickets apiece.

In response, South Africa showed great resilience, anchored by Markram’s centurion effort which featured ten fours and four sixes. He found crucial support from Matthew Breetzke (68) and Dewald Brevis (54), helping the team maintain the required scoring rate.

Despite losing late wickets, the tourists successfully reached the target of 362 with four balls remaining in the final over, setting up a decider for the final match of the series.