The South Africa National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team match scorecard from 3rd December 2025 will go down as one of the most thrilling One Day International (ODI) encounters in recent cricket history. Played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium, Raipur, this high-scoring clash was the 2nd ODI of the ongoing series and delivered everything fans could ask for—centuries from both sides, massive totals, momentum swings, and a breathtaking run chase.
In a match where India posted a mammoth 358/5 in 50 overs, South Africa responded with extraordinary composure and firepower, successfully chasing the target by scoring 362/6 in 49.2 overs, winning the match by 4 wickets. This result leveled the series 1–1, setting the stage for a dramatic decider.
This detailed article presents a complete breakdown of the South Africa National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team match scorecard, including batting performances, match-defining partnerships, key turning points, statistics, and expert analysis.
Table of Contents
Match Overview: South Africa vs India 2nd ODI – 3rd December 2025
Match Details at a Glance
- Match: 2nd ODI
- Date: 3rd December 2025
- Venue: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium, Raipur
- Result: South Africa won by 4 wickets
- Series Status: Series leveled 1–1
Final Match Scorecard Summary
- India: 358/5 (50 overs)
- South Africa: 362/6 (49.2 overs)
This encounter was a true showcase of modern ODI cricket, where batting depth, calculated aggression, and composure under pressure played decisive roles.
India’s Innings Breakdown: 358/5 in 50 Overs
India’s batting display was a masterclass in building a high ODI total. From the very first over, the Indian top order showed intent, discipline, and control, ensuring that the scoreboard kept ticking without unnecessary risks.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Maiden ODI Century
Ruturaj Gaikwad delivered one of the most important innings of his international career, scoring a magnificent 105 runs. His century was built on:
- Solid technique
- Excellent strike rotation
- Timely boundary hitting
Gaikwad’s innings laid a strong foundation for India’s massive total and showcased his ability to perform under pressure at the international level.
Virat Kohli’s Classic Century
Virat Kohli once again proved why he remains one of the finest ODI batters of all time. His 102-run knock was a blend of:
- Perfect timing
- Controlled aggression
- Intelligent placement
Kohli anchored the innings beautifully, ensuring stability in the middle overs and allowing other batters to play freely around him.
KL Rahul’s Explosive Finish
KL Rahul played a crucial role in pushing India past the 350-run mark. His unbeaten 66* came at a brisk pace and included powerful strokes in the death overs. Rahul’s ability to accelerate late in the innings significantly boosted India’s total.
India’s Batting Strengths
- Two centuries at the top
- Minimal wickets lost
- Strong finishing in the final 10 overs
- Balanced strike rotation and boundary hitting
Despite such a commanding batting effort, India’s total would later prove just short of what was required on the day.
South Africa’s Chase: 362/6 in 49.2 Overs
Chasing 359 runs in an ODI is never easy, but South Africa approached the task with clarity, confidence, and remarkable composure. Their chase was paced to perfection, combining stability at the top with explosive power in the middle and calm finishing at the end.
Aiden Markram’s Match-Winning Century
Aiden Markram was the backbone of South Africa’s successful chase. His brilliant 110-run innings was the defining performance of the match. Markram:
- Anchored the innings
- Controlled the run rate
- Absorbed pressure during key phases
His calm presence ensured that South Africa never fell behind the required run rate, even during tight moments.
Matthew Breetzke’s Crucial Support
Matthew Breetzke played a vital role with his 68-run knock, forming a crucial partnership with Markram. His innings helped:
- Stabilize the chase during middle overs
- Keep the scoreboard moving
- Reduce pressure on the lower order
This partnership proved to be one of the most decisive phases of the match.
Dewald Brevis’ Explosive Contribution
Dewald Brevis brought momentum back in South Africa’s favor with a quick 54 runs. His aggressive stroke play:
- Accelerated the run rate
- Shifted momentum sharply
- Put India’s bowlers under immense pressure
Brevis’ innings ensured that South Africa entered the final overs needing a manageable number of runs.
Corbin Bosch’s Calm Finish
Corbin Bosch finished the chase with a composed 29*, showing excellent temperament under pressure. His calm approach in the final overs ensured South Africa crossed the line with 4 balls to spare, sealing a memorable victory.
Key Performers: South Africa National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
Top Batting Performances
| Player | Team | Runs | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | India | 105 | Maiden ODI century, strong opening foundation |
| Virat Kohli | India | 102 | Anchored innings with experience |
| KL Rahul | India | 66* | Explosive finish |
| Aiden Markram | South Africa | 110 | Match-winning century |
| Matthew Breetzke | South Africa | 68 | Crucial middle-order support |
| Dewald Brevis | South Africa | 54 | Momentum-shifting innings |
| Corbin Bosch | South Africa | 29* | Calm match-winning finish |
Match Statistics Comparison
India vs South Africa – Key Numbers
| Statistic | India | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Runs | 358/5 | 362/6 |
| Overs Faced | 50 | 49.2 |
| Top Scorer | Gaikwad (105) | Markram (110) |
| Extras | 25 | 23 |
| Fours / Sixes | 39 / 14 | 36 / 13 |
| Bowling Economy | 5.72 | 6.22 |
These statistics highlight just how evenly matched both teams were throughout the contest.
Momentum Shifts and Turning Points
India’s Early Dominance
India dominated the first half of the match through:
- Strong opening partnerships
- Controlled middle overs
- Aggressive death batting
At one point, India appeared well on course for a winning total beyond South Africa’s reach.
South Africa’s Middle-Overs Control
South Africa’s chase truly took shape during the middle overs:
- Markram and Breetzke stabilized the innings
- Required run rate stayed under control
- Pressure gradually shifted onto Indian bowlers
This phase ultimately decided the outcome of the match.
Death Overs – The Deciding Factor
India struggled significantly in the death overs:
- Lack of yorkers
- Inconsistent lengths
- Limited breakthroughs
South Africa capitalized fully, turning a difficult chase into a historic victory.
Tactical Analysis: Why South Africa Won
Key Differences Between the Teams
1. Death Bowling
India failed to contain runs in the final overs, while South Africa executed their plans perfectly.
2. Composed Finishing
South Africa’s lower-order batters showed exceptional calm, especially Corbin Bosch.
3. Partnerships Under Pressure
South Africa built partnerships at crucial moments, preventing collapses.
Series Impact: Series Leveled 1–1
This victory leveled the ODI series 1–1, adding immense excitement ahead of the final match. Momentum has clearly shifted toward South Africa, but India’s batting strength remains a major threat.
Conclusion: South Africa National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Match Scorecard – A Modern ODI Classic
The South Africa National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team match scorecard from 3rd December 2025 represents everything modern ODI cricket stands for—high scores, fearless batting, tactical battles, and nerve-wracking finishes.
While India delivered a commanding batting performance with centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli, South Africa’s composed and intelligent chase, led by Aiden Markram’s match-winning century, proved decisive.
South Africa’s ability to handle pressure, rotate strike, and finish the chase clinically set them apart in this contest. With the series now tied, this match will be remembered as a turning point and one of the most exciting ODIs between the two sides.
FAQs: South Africa National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
Who was the top scorer in the match?
Aiden Markram scored 110 runs for South Africa, while Ruturaj Gaikwad top-scored for India with 105.
How did South Africa chase such a big total?
Through disciplined partnerships, controlled aggression, and calm finishing in the death overs.
What was the key moment of the match?
Markram’s century and his partnership with Matthew Breetzke during the middle overs.
Who helped India reach 358 runs?
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul played crucial innings.
What was the final result?
South Africa won by 4 wickets, scoring 362/6 in 49.2 overs.
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