नवीनतम
2nd ODI: Virat, Ruturaj tons take India to 358/5
NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad scored hundreds in the second ODI to take India’s total to 358/5 in the allotted 50 overs. Temba Bavuma returned to captain South Africa, but his decision to field first after winning the toss backfired as Gaikwad and Kohli dominated the bowlers.
Although Rohit Sharma (14) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) were dismissed inside the powerplay overs, Virat and Ruturaj batted smartly to keep the scoreboard ticking. The young batter was aggressive from the start, while the 37-year-old took time before going for his shots.
Virat played in his trademark style, concentrating on singles and doubles to keep pressure on rivals. He was dismissed after amassing 102 off 93 balls, with the help of 7 boundaries and 2 sixes. On the other hand, Gaikwad posted 105 runs off 83 deliveries, including 12 fours and 2 sixes.
Earlier, Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 105, having stitched a solid 195-run partnership for the third wicket with Kohli. India lost Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal with just 62 runs on the board, but the duo of Kohli and Gaikwad led the hosts' comeback with a stunning stand. India were invited to bat first by South Africa in this game.
The final touches to the innings were given by stand-in captain KL Rahul, who hit his second consecutive fifty in the ongoing assignments against the Proteas. He managed an unbeaten 66 runs off 43 balls, with the help of 6 boundaries and 2 sixes.
Meanwhile, Virat and Gaikwad celebrated their milestones in aggressive styles. After a long absence from the national team, the Chennai Super Kings captain was recalled to the national side due to an injury to Shreyas Iyer. He batted at the No.4 spot for the first time in the one-day format, and after an ordinary display in Ranchi, he showed his talent in Raipur.
On the other hand. Kohli has hit two back-to-back hundreds against the visiting side. He smashed 135 runs off 120 balls in the previous game and was named the Player of the Match. The 37-year-old has taken his century count to 53 in ODIs and 84 overall across formats in international cricket.
For South Africa, Marco Jansen (2 wickets), Lungi Ngidi (1 wicket) and Nandre Burger (1 wicket) bowled well.
