KL Rahul smashes super century against New Zealand in 2nd ODI at Rajkot after…
Star India player KL Rahul scored a century off 87 balls in India’s second ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. This was the eighth century for the Karnataka wicketkeeper-batter in ODIs. In total, it was his 21st international century, including 11 in Tests, 8 in ODIs and 2 in T20Is.
Rahul reached his century by hitting a six over mid-on off Kyle Jamieson in the second-last over. The 33-year-old played a key role in helping India post a strong total after the team struggled at 118 for 4 in 23.3 overs. He ended the innings with a boundary, guiding India to 284 for 7. He stayed not out on 112 from 92 balls, hitting 11 fours and one six.
What record did KL Rahul break?
Interestingly, the star India batter smashes a century after two years in the One-Day Internationals. In doing so, Rahul overtook former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin’s record in ODIs, who had scored seven centuries in 334 matches. Rahul achieved the same in just his 93rd ODI, playing a crucial innings for the team. He also became the first Indian to score an ODI century at this ground, beating Shikhar Dhawan who was previously out in the 90s.
How did KL Rahul manage his innings?
KL Rahul had a tough time at the crease as the pitch slowed down during the middle overs. Virat Kohli was dismissed for 23 soon after coming in. Despite this, Rahul paced his innings perfectly. He added 73 runs for the fifth wicket with Ravindra Jadeja to stabilize the innings, then attacked the New Zealand bowlers in the final overs.
The wicketkeeper-batter often the crisis man for India, ensured the team posted a respectable total, which had looked difficult given the way New Zealand’s bowlers were performing. With the series still open, India now needs to bowl well to defend 285. The average first-innings score at this ground is 322, so New Zealand may feel slightly ahead, but they will need a player to step up like KL Rahul if they want to chase successfully.