Punjab Newsline, Sports:
Rahul anchors the innings with a composed century as India recover from middle-order setbacks in Rajkot
India posted a competitive total of 284 for 7 against New Zealand in the second ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot, riding on a magnificent unbeaten century by wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul. After winning the toss, New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell opted to bowl first, but Rahul’s calm yet authoritative knock ensured India finished strongly despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
India made a steady start as openers negotiated a testing new-ball spell from Kyle Jamieson. The pair took India to 57 without loss at the end of the first powerplay. While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed to convert their starts into big scores, Shubman Gill looked fluent and kept the scoreboard ticking. Gill brought up his half-century off 47 balls, showing better rhythm than in the previous match.
However, India’s innings lost momentum after Gill’s dismissal. Jamieson returned to remove Gill for 56, triggering a collapse that saw India slip from 99 for 1 to 118 for 4. Shreyas Iyer chipped a delivery to mid-off, while Kohli was dismissed after chopping the ball onto his stumps off Kristian Clarke. The two-paced pitch made stroke-making difficult, and New Zealand bowlers tightened their grip during this phase.
KL Rahul then took control of the innings with a mature and responsible approach. He stitched together a crucial 73-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja for the fifth wicket, rebuilding the innings patiently. Jadeja scored 27 before being dismissed by Bracewell, who completed a sharp caught-and-bowled effort.
With support limited from the other end, Rahul farmed the strike intelligently. He reached his fifty via a fortunate edge for four off Jamieson and gradually increased the scoring rate after the second drinks break. Rahul mixed elegant drives with well-timed pulls and innovative shots, including a reverse sweep against Bracewell, to keep the scoreboard moving.
Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed 20 runs before falling to Zak Foulkes, while debutant spinner Jayden Lennox picked up his first international wicket by dismissing Harshit Rana. Despite the wickets, Rahul continued to dominate the final overs.
Rahul brought up his eighth ODI century in style, smashing a full toss from Jamieson over long-on for six. He followed it up with two more boundaries off Foulkes to push India past the 280-run mark. His unbeaten 112 came off 92 balls and included 11 fours and a six.
India’s total of 284 for 7 gives them a strong chance, especially at a venue where teams batting first have enjoyed success. New Zealand now face a stiff chase under lights.