The Proteas won the toss again and chose to field first for a second match in a row as they backed themselves to chase down any total.

India posted 358/5 in their 50 overs, thanks to Ruturaj Gaikwad scoring 105 off 83 balls with 12 fours and two sixes, while Virat Kohli added 102 off 92 for back-to-back tons in the series.

Ruturaj Gaikwad - Cricinfo

Captain KL Rahul also contributed a brisk 66 off 43 deliveries.

The tall left-arm seamer Marco Jansen was the pick of the South African bowlers with 2/63 in his full set of ten overs.

In reply, Aiden Markram wielded the willow superbly for South Africa, crafting 110 off 98 balls in a classy knock featuring 10 fours and four sixes, while Matthew Breetzke chipped in with a confident 68 off 64.

Virat Kohli - Cricinfo

Dewald Brevis played a handy innings of 54 off 34 as he launched five sixes and a four in scoring his maiden ODI half century.

Captain Temba Bavuma added a steady 46, while Corbin Bosch struck the winning runs with an unbeaten 29 as South Africa mowed down the target with four balls to spare.

There will be concern over the fitness of Tony de Zorzi, who hobbled off after scoring 17 off 11, with what looked like cramp or possibly a hamstring niggle.

After the victory, Markram said there wasn’t really a formal team talk about how to chase down the mammoth total - it was more about individuals backing themselves to finish the job.

“There wasn’t much said, to be honest - when you’re chasing 350 or 360, you know you have to take the game on a bit and balance that with being smart and setting the innings up,” said Markram.

“It wasn’t a collective discussion - it was each guy backing his own game, trusting the options he feels confident in.

Matthew Breetzke - Cricinfo

“It was a great collective batting effort from everyone today, and that’s exactly how you chase a big number like that.”

Markram added that hunting down such a massive score on the subcontinent has given the team belief that they can now clinch the ODI series, with the decider to come on Saturday.

“It still feels like all of it is very far away, but belief and confidence are what you take as a group,” Markram said.

Tony de Zorzi - Cricinfo

“Chasing a big number like that gives the team belief that next time we’re in that position, we’ve done it before and can do it again.

“It’s a world-class team in their home conditions, and winning in India’s backyard is no easy feat. You take that confidence forward as a group.”

The 3rd and final ODI will be played on Saturday in Visakhapatnam, with the first ball scheduled for 10:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport