Aiden Markram's century spurred South Africa on a thrilling chase as they levelled their three-match ODI series against India with a four-wicket victory on Wednesday.

India had set a target of 359 after both Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad hit hundreds of their own, but South Africa edged it with four balls to spare.

The tourists started strongly, dismissing both Rohit Sharma (14) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) in the first 10 overs, but that only opened the door for a stellar 195-run partnership.

Kohli hit seven fours and two maximums in his knock of 102, while Gaikwad struck 12 boundaries and two maximums as he hit 105 to propel India forward.

Marco Jansen (2-63) eventually halted the latter, but KL Rahul's unbeaten 66 set India up for a strong finish alongside Ravindra Jadeja (24 not out) to take the hosts to 358-5.

However, Markram led from the front with his 110 off 98 balls, with Matthew Breetzke (68) and Dewald Brevis (54) also chipping in with half-centuries.

Markram was eventually caught off Harshit Rana's bowling in the 30th over, while Tony de Zorzi retired hurt on 17 in a blow for South Africa. 

But Corbin Bosch got them over the line, hitting a four to take them to 362-6, with it all to play for in the final match of the series.

MATCH RESULT

A thrilling contest comes to an end in Raipur! ‍#TheProteas Men claim a memorable 4-wicket win! 

The series is now tied 1-1 ahead of Saturday’s decider. pic.twitter.com/Vpi2ZxszDZ

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 3, 2025

Data Debrief: India's batters shine despite defeat

This is the highest match aggregate (720) involving South Africa and India in ODIs, and it was helped by three centuries.

Two of those came from India, with Kohli scoring back-to-back hundreds in the format for the 11th time, the most of any player for the country. He has scored seven centuries against South Africa.

Meanwhile, Gaikwad struck the second-fastest hundred for India in ODIs against South Africa (77 balls), behind only Yusuf Pathan's 68-ball effort in 2011.

Nevertheless, the Proteas equalled the highest successful run chase in the format against India (359), tying the record Australia set in Mohali in 2019.