IND vs SA 2nd ODI: Markram praises collective batting effort in chasing down 359-run target

It needed something exceptional to chase a mammoth 359-run target, and South Africa’s opener Aiden Markram provided exactly that with a stunning hundred. Early support from skipper Temba Bavuma, followed by a vital 92-run fourth-wicket stand between Dewald Brevis and Matthew Breetzke, ensured South Africa held its nerve to level the three-match ODI series on Wednesday.

Speaking after the win, Markram reflected on his innings, the contributions around him and the road ahead to the 2027 World Cup.

“Chasing 359 is always tough. You have to take the game on while still being smart and setting things up properly for others. It was a great collective batting effort, and that’s how you chase a big number like that,” Markram said.

He added that the match had echoes of the first ODI. “Both games felt almost identical — like reliving the first one. We were three down early there, and that changed the result. I felt responsible for that game. So today, I just wanted to give our big-hitting middle and lower order a solid platform because they can do real damage. That was my mindset.”

Markram was full of praise for Brevis and Breetzke. “They were outstanding. Brevis hits the ball miles and always puts bowlers under pressure. Breetzke has had an incredible start to his career, and the way he handled the situation today was exceptional. That partnership, when the game was on a knife’s edge, made a huge difference.”

Looking ahead, Markram said the win brings confidence but doesn’t alter the long-term focus. “Any dressing room is a better place when you’re winning. There’s still a lot to learn heading into Vizag. As much as we want to win this series, the bigger picture is the 2027 World Cup. We want to keep moving in the right direction. Continuous improvement is the main goal.”