Markram Ends Decade-Long Drought for SA Openers with Century Against India

Aiden Markram became the first visiting South African opener in ten years to score an ODI century in India, making a superb 110 in the second ODI in Raipur on Wednesday.

The feat marked the first ODI hundred by a South African opener in India since Quinton de Kock in 2015, and was also Markram’s first century in 25 innings as an opener, with his previous three tons all coming at No. 4.

After falling cheaply in Ranchi, Markram showed greater discipline in Raipur, weathering the early movement before expanding his range once conditions eased. The evening dew worked in his favour, helping the ball skid onto the bat as he kept South Africa in contention during their chase of 359.

He moved to 99 with a crisp straight drive off Ravindra Jadeja and reached his hundred off 88 balls with a push to long-on. The celebration was subdued, with the equation still demanding 182 runs from 23 overs.

His dismissal soon after, however, shifted the momentum. Harshit Rana, bowling in slippery conditions, disguised an off-cutter that Markram dragged to Ruturaj Gaikwad at long-on — a vital breakthrough for India and another example of Rana’s growing reputation for striking with both the new and old ball.

South Africa’s chase had begun shakily with de Kock falling for 8 in the fifth over, but Temba Bavuma steadied the innings with a 101-run stand alongside Markram, scoring 46 off 48 balls before miscuing an attempted acceleration. Matthew Breetzke, coming off a fluent 72 in the series opener, carried the momentum forward, but Markram’s exit stalled the chase. At 197 for 3 after 30 overs, South Africa remained in touch, though the rising required rate and India’s renewed control tightened the contest at a crucial stage.