In a display of class and composure, KL Rahul notched up his 8th One Day International century on Sunday, powering India to a competitive total of 284/8 against New Zealand in the second ODI at the scenic Raipur International Cricket Stadium. The elegant right-hander’s masterful 112 off 110 balls, adorned with 12 boundaries, anchored the innings amid early setbacks.
India’s innings kicked off shakily as the top order crumbled under pressure from New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack. Captain Shubman Gill fell cheaply, followed by a mix-up that saw Sai Sudharsan run out. Young gun Yashasvi Jaiswal fought hard but couldn’t convert his start. Enter Rahul, who steadied the ship with a fluent partnership alongside Tilak Varma.
Rahul’s knock was a textbook example of ODI batting – patient yet aggressive. He accelerated post-powerplay, punishing loose deliveries from Rachin Ravindra and Michael Bracewell. A 95-run stand with Varma revived India, though the southpaw departed soon after reaching fifty. Washington Sundar and Axar Patel chipped in with quick runs, ensuring the hosts crossed 280.
New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Lockie Ferguson’s fiery pace, kept things tight but leaked runs in the middle overs. India’s total of 285 sets a challenging chase under lights, with dew likely to play a factor. Rahul’s ton, his first against the Kiwis in ODIs, draws parallels to his breakout performances in white-ball cricket.
As the series hangs in balance at 1-0 to India, New Zealand will bank on Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell to chase down the target. Rahul’s brilliance has given India a strong platform – can the bowlers seal the deal? The decider in the third ODI looms large.