The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur witnessed an unusual outcome on Wednesday night. Even as Virat Kohli lit up the venue with a masterful century—his second in a row in the series—India suffered a dramatic four-wicket defeat to South Africa in the second ODI.
The loss marked the first time in 2,462 days that India were beaten in an ODI despite a Kohli hundred, breaking a streak that had lasted since March 2019.
Kohli’s Record-Breaking Century in Vain
Kohli produced a sublime 93-ball 102, his maiden ODI century at the Raipur ground. The knock featured seven fours and two sixes at a strike rate above 109. The landmark innings also added to his remarkable tally:
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53rd ODI century
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84th international century
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7th ODI century against South Africa, making him the only batter in history with 7+ centuries against four different opponents (10 vs SL, 9 vs WI, 8 vs AUS, 7 vs SA)
Along with Ruturaj Gaikwad, Kohli stitched a crucial 195-run stand for the third wicket, powering India to a competitive 358/6.
Markram Leads South Africa to a Record Chase
South Africa responded with a clinical batting performance. Captain Aiden Markram anchored the chase with a brilliant 98-ball 110, supported by half-centuries from Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis. Their composed approach guided the visitors to their target with four balls to spare, completing the joint-highest successful run chase ever against India in ODIs.
Historic Streak Comes to an End
India’s defeat marks:
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The first loss in 2,462 days in an ODI where Kohli scored a century
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The first such defeat since March 8, 2019 against Australia in Ranchi
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The first time in eight years that India lost a match defending a total when Kohli reached three figures (previously in 2017 vs New Zealand at Wankhede)
Kohli now has eight ODI centuries in losing causes, with four of those coming when India batted first.
Kohli’s Stellar 2025 Continues
Despite the result, 2025 remains an exceptional year for Kohli. Across 12 innings, he has accumulated 586 runs at an average of 58.60, featuring three centuries and three half-centuries. His recent run of form, including a 135-run knock last week, has lifted him to fourth place in the ICC ODI rankings—just 32 rating points behind top-ranked Rohit Sharma.
