Virat Kohli struck a record-extending 53rd ODI century as a three down India cruised against South Africa in the second ODI in Raipur today.
His effort came in a crucial phase of the innings after the hosts were asked to bat first by South Africa.
Virat Kohli scored 102 runs in 93 balls which included 45 singles, 7 fours and 2 sixes. The former India captain lost his wicket to Lungi Ngidi in the 40th over.
Virat Kohli being greeted by a pitch invader between overs during the second ODI cricket match of a series between India and South Africa, at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. (PTI)
India made a shaky start after losing Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal with just 62 runs on the board. The early setbacks threatened to derail the innings, but Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the ship with a commanding partnership.
Gaikwad, unlike at Ranchi where he struggled in the middle order, emerged a perfect foil for Kohli, matching his style of play.
The duo rotated strike deftly, converting singles into doubles and creating a seamless flow of runs.
Gaikwad grew in confidence after reaching his half-century, hitting Keshav Maharaj for a six and two fours in the 28th over before completing his century in the 34th over.
Kohli, meanwhile, continued his masterclass, pulling off perfect shots to reach his record-extending 53rd ODI ton.
Gaikwad departed after scoring 105 runs, having stitched a solid 195-run stand for the third wicket with Kohli.
Kohli scored 102 off 93 balls, hitting 7 fours and 2 sixes and 45 singles, while Gaikwad faced 83 balls, hitting 12 fours and 2 sixes.
Their partnership reset the record for the highest third-wicket stand for India in ODIs against South Africa, building the platform for the hosts to launch into a big score.
KL Rahul’s quickfire 66 not out off 43 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes, ensured India finished at a formidable 358 for five.
Rahul’s second fifty in a row came even as India tinkered with the batting line-up, with the stand-in skipper coming in at No 5 ahead of Washington Sundar.