Aiden Markram Hails South Africas United Batting Display in Record 359-Run Chase vs India

South Africa captain Aiden Markram praised his team’s outstanding collective batting performance after the Proteas successfully chased down a daunting 359-run target to defeat India in the second ODI on Saturday. The victory not only levelled the series but also showcased South Africa’s growing depth in white-ball cricket, especially in the middle order.

Speaking after the match, Markram said the chase was a testament to the team’s self-belief and clarity of roles. “Chasing 359 is never easy, especially against a strong Indian attack. But the way every batter contributed made the difference. It was a complete team performance, and I’m proud of the boys,” he said.

South Africa began their innings with a composed opening partnership that weathered India’s early swing and seam. Though not explosive, the openers laid the foundation by rotating strike well and ensuring India couldn’t capitalise on the new ball. Markram highlighted the importance of that phase, noting that a controlled start kept the required run rate manageable while giving confidence to the incoming batters.

The standout phase of the chase came from the middle order, where South Africa’s batters stitched together crucial partnerships. With India appearing to take control after a couple of quick wickets, the Proteas’ No. 3 and No. 4 steadied the innings with a mix of aggressive stroke play and intelligent running between the wickets.

Markram described the partnership as the turning point of the match. “Those overs were critical. They kept the scoreboard moving and didn’t let India’s spinners settle. Their intent was exceptional,” he said.

By the time South Africa entered the final 15 overs, the required rate was within reach. A composed finish, highlighted by clean hitting and excellent game management, helped seal the chase with several balls to spare. Markram praised the lower-middle order for executing the plan under pressure.

“Finishing games is an art, and the boys showed great maturity. They didn’t panic, they picked the right bowlers to attack, and they stayed calm till the end,” he added.

India’s bowling attack, which had earlier impressed with disciplined spells, appeared to lose steam as the Proteas built momentum. Spinners failed to extract much from the surface, and the seamers struggled with lengths during overs where the run flow accelerated. While India’s total of 358 was competitive, South Africa’s fearless approach in the chase turned the pressure back on the visitors.

With the series now level, Markram said the team will carry confidence into the decider but stressed that they must continue improving. “India is a world-class side. We’ve shown what we can do, but we need to back it up in the next match. Momentum is with us, but execution matters most,” he said.

The successful pursuit of 359 ranks among South Africa’s finest ODI chases and underlines the team’s ability to compete against top-tier sides. For Markram, the win was more than just a statistical milestone it was proof of a squad developing maturity, resilience, and belief.