India Lose Raipur ODI in Final-Over Thriller; Fan Breaches Ground as Traffic Snarls Grip Naya Raipur

Raipur
India’s unbeaten ODI run in Raipur came to an end on Wednesday as South Africa clinched a nail-biting victory in the final over at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium. Despite centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, India failed to defend a formidable 359-run target, with the visitors levelling the series 1–1.

South Africa’s chase was anchored by a superb century from Aiden Markram, while Dewald Brevis and Matthew Breetzke struck crucial half-centuries to steer the side home with four wickets in hand.

Fan breaches ground; security intervenes swiftly
In a brief security lapse during the match, a young fan ran onto the field, causing momentary disruption. Stadium bouncers promptly lifted him off the ground and escorted him out. The incident raised questions about match-day security, especially with such a massive turnout.

Massive crowd, massive traffic
The ODI drew an overwhelming number of spectators, resulting in heavy traffic congestion across Naya Raipur. Long traffic jams were reported on all approach routes to the stadium, with Telibandha Chowk witnessing a nearly 2-kilometre slowdown. Former India captain MS Dhoni’s superfan Rambabu was also among those who reached the venue early.

Entry for spectators was regulated through a strict three-layer security check, causing slow movement at the gates. Thousands of fans packed the stands, creating a sea of blue and an electric atmosphere throughout the day.

The match
India: Kohli and Gaikwad slammed centuries to set a towering 359-run target.
South Africa: Markram’s century and solid fifties from Brevis and Breetzke powered the Proteas to a memorable win in the 50th over.

With the series now tied 1–1, the stage is set for a high-stakes decider.