On Wednesday, December 3rd, the second ODI of the three-match series between India and South Africa will take place at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. After winning the first game, the Indian team is aiming to secure a series win by taking the second game as well.
The match in Ranchi was exciting and full of ups and downs and eventually India won by 17 runs to lead the series one nil. The total of 349 runs scored by the home team was anchored by Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI ton along with half-centuries from Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. Though at one point India was looking like easy winners, the lower-order resilience from South Africa made them fight.
Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
- Matches Played: 95
- IND Won: 51
- SA Won: 41
Match Details
Details: India vs South Africa, 2nd ODI, South Africa tour of India 2025
Venue: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 03; 1:30 PM (IST)
Raipur – Pitch Report
The slow pitch at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur, which is also the ground’s hallmark, has been a boon for slow and medium-fast bowlers. The overall quality of pitches during the series is excellent, thus, setting the stage for another run feast, indicating the batter-friendly surface.
India’s Strengths
India secured a dominant first ODI victory by seventeen runs in a thrilling encounter at Ranchi. Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI century anchored India’s 349 total, while Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking sixes display showcased aggressive batting intent. KL Rahul’s late cameo provided late-order depth. The pace attack of Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh claimed three quick wickets, establishing bowling dominance early in opposition innings effectively.
India’s Weaknesses
Despite posting 349 runs, India faced unexpected resistance from South Africa’s lower-order batsmen, struggling to complete dominant victory margins. Middle-order occasionally faltered under sustained bowling pressure despite opening partnership success. Death-over bowling faced challenges containing Jansen and Bosch partnerships that threatened match momentum. Reliance on Kuldeep Yadav for crucial breakthroughs reveals potential vulnerabilities in supporting bowling combinations required against quality opposition.
South Africa’s Strengths
South Africa demonstrated commendable fighting spirit, narrowing defeat margins through lower-order resistance and partnerships. Matthew Breetzke’s batting solidity provided foundation despite early collapses. Marco Jansen’s quick-fire fifty showcased explosive potential, while Corbin Bosch’s fifty dragged the match deep into final overs. These contributions highlight lower-order depth capability for mounting comebacks against determined bowling attacks effectively.
South Africa’s Weaknesses
South Africa lost their 19th consecutive ODI toss, compounding their challenge batting second against quality Indian bowling attack. Early batting collapses cost crucial wickets within five overs, establishing difficult recovery situations. Upper-middle order failed to provide substantial contributions beyond Breetzke’s effort. Inconsistent batting performance exposed vulnerabilities against disciplined pace bowling, preventing successful chase completion despite lower-order heroics displayed throughout innings.
Predicted Playing 11s
India (IND): Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna
South Africa (SA): Ryan Rickelton(w), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman
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