India’s 358 Not Enough as South Africa Claims ODI

A high-scoring second ODI saw South Africa chase down India’s formidable 358/5, leveling the series at 1-1. Captain KL Rahul identified two primary reasons for the defeat: the unavoidable impact of dew and losing the toss for the second time. Rahul explained that the wet ball significantly hampered their bowlers’ ability to grip and control deliveries, a challenge he felt could have been mitigated with an additional 20-25 runs. “350 looks good, but we needed 20–25 more runs to cushion the bowlers with a wet ball,” he stated. The brilliant centuries from Virat Kohli (102) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (105) put India in a commanding position, but South Africa responded with a masterclass chase. Aiden Markram led the charge with a superb 110, ably supported by Matthew Breetzke (68) and Dewald Brevis (54). This historic pursuit underscored South Africa’s strong batting depth and adaptability. The series is now set for a thrilling conclusion, with the toss likely to play a significant role given the observed impact of conditions on the game.