Follow UsAiden Markram created history as he became the first South Africa opener to score a century in India in the last 10 years. Before Markram’s ton on December 3 (Wednesday) during the second ODI at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur, Quinton de Kock had hit a hundred against India in 2015.
Markram, who failed to get going in the first ODI in Ranchi, made sure that he utilised batting-friendly conditions in Raipur. The fact that he was dropped on 53 by Yashasvi Jaiswal was only an added advantage for the Proteas batter.
The 31-year-old smashed 10 fours and four sixes on his way to his century. He was the anchor of the South African innings and by the time he remained there, the chances of a South African victory looked bright.
However, just after completing his hundred, the right-hander chased the wide bouncer and tried to hit a forehand smash, only to find the fielder at long-on.
Eventually, when Markram returned to the pavilion, South Africa needed 162 to win with two new batters at the crease. India looked like the favourites to seal the win and eventually take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.