India batted first and posted a mammoth 358/5 in 50 overs. Ruturaj Gaikwad scored his maiden ODI century, blasting 105 off 83 balls with two sixes and 12 boundaries, while Virat Kohli continued his red-hot form with his 53rd ODI century, scoring 102 off 93 deliveries, including two sixes and seven fours. KL Rahul provided a late flourish, remaining unbeaten on 66 off 43 balls. Marco Jansen was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa with 2 wickets.
Chasing 359, South Africa got off to a shaky start as Quinton de Kock fell cheaply. But Aiden Markram anchored the innings with a brilliant 110 off 98 balls, supported by Matthew Breetzke (68), Dewald Brevis (54), and skipper Temba Bavuma (46). Corbin Bosch remained unbeaten on 29 to guide the Proteas home with four balls to spare. Indian bowlers struggled in dew-affected conditions, with only Arshdeep Singh (2/54) providing a standout performance.
This chase by South Africa became one of the highest successful run chases against India in ODIs. Here’s a look at the top five:
1. South Africa – 362
The Proteas’ chase in Raipur is the joint-highest against India in ODIs. India had posted 358/5, but South Africa chased it down with four wickets to spare. South Africa have a history of chasing big totals, having cleared 400+ eight times in ODIs.
2. Australia – 359
In Mohali in 2019, Australia chased 359 against India, winning by four wickets. Peter Handscomb top-scored with 117, supported by Usman Khawaja (91) and Ashton Turner (84). India’s bowlers, apart from Jasprit Bumrah (3/63), struggled to contain the Aussies.
3. New Zealand – 348
At Hamilton in 2020, New Zealand chased 348, winning with 11 balls to spare. Ross Taylor starred with 109 not out, with Tom Latham (69) and Henry Nicholls (78) also contributing. Kuldeep Yadav was India’s best bowler with 2/84.
4. England – 337
England achieved 337 at Pune in 2021, chasing down India’s 336/6. Jonny Bairstow (124) and Jason Roy (55) provided a strong start, followed by Ben Stokes (99). Prasidh Krishna was India’s best with 2/58.
5. Sri Lanka – 322
Sri Lanka chased 322 at the Oval in the 2017 Champions Trophy, overcoming India’s 321/6. Danushka Gunathilaka (76) and Kusal Mendis (89) built a key 159-run partnership, while Angelo Mathews (52)* guided the team home. Pakistan also chased 322 against India in Mohali in 2007, led by Younis Khan’s 117.
The South Africa chase in 2025 now stands among the most remarkable ODI run chases against India, highlighting India’s occasional struggles in defending big totals under pressure.
