India vs South Africa Prediction & Match Preview – 2nd ODI, Raipur

India go into the second ODI in Raipur with a series lead after a commanding start. Virat Kohli’s 135 off 120 balls powered a massive 349 in the first game, and the bowlers sealed the win in the final over, although the attack lacks extensive experience across different conditions. Rohit Sharma, who has scored 50 or more in each of his last three outings, offers stability, Yashasvi Jaiswal can provide a quick start, and Ruturaj Gaikwad and KL Rahul consolidate in the middle overs. Rahul made a quick 60 off 56 in the opener.

With the ball, Harshit Rana took three wickets and Arshdeep Singh kept things tight, Prasidh Krishna adds variety although he can leak runs, and Kuldeep Yadav was superb with four wickets in the opener.

South Africa enter with confidence despite the defeat, having recovered from 11-3 on a high-scoring pitch to post 332. Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock, who has six ODI hundreds against India, lead the top order, with Matthew Breetzke, who made 72 off 80 balls and averages 68 in ODIs this year, and Tony de Zorzi in the middle. Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch struck fifties and nearly engineered a comeback, and Nandre Burger and Bosch took four wickets between them, with Jansen and Ottneil Baartman picking up two each.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

Raipur usually offers a balanced contest. Fast bowlers get some movement and decent bounce early, which can make strokeplay tricky for openers, before the pitch settles and batters play more freely. The surface can slow a little and bring spinners into the game in the middle overs. Chasing sides have often done well here in shorter formats, and disciplined bowling and smart batting tend to decide matches.

Weather

A warm, dry afternoon is expected in Raipur, with temperatures typically in the 26–28°C range and low humidity. December is among the driest months there, so rain is extremely unlikely and skies should be mostly sunny.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 330–350
• 2nd innings: 320–340