KL Rahul’s eighth ODI century – a gritty 112 off 110 balls – headlined India’s innings as they posted 284 for eight, leaving New Zealand to chase 285 and stay alive in the series. The match at Raipur witnessed Rahul at his imperious best, turning the tide after India lost three quick wickets.
Batting first, India wobbled at 49 for three inside 12 overs. Gill chopped on, Sudharsan sacrificed himself, and Jaiswal missed a straight one. Rahul, calmness personified, arrived to forge a match-defining partnership with Varma (42 off 51).
Mixing deft placements with power-hitting, Rahul toyed with the bowling. He dispatched Ferguson for boundaries and outsmarted Ravindra in the air. Raising his bat for three figures amid roars, Rahul departed soon after, holing out off O’Rourke. Pant’s 22-ball 28 and Patel’s late surge boosted the total.
New Zealand’s bowlers toiled hard on a true pitch, conceding just 5.69 runs per over. Ferguson starred with three strikes, but couldn’t contain Rahul’s flow. This ton equals Rahul’s career-best streak, boosting his average to 52+ in ODIs.
Level series intensifies rivalry. Kiwis need Williamson, Mitchell to fire. India’s seamers, led by Siraj, eye dew advantage. Rahul’s knock cements his status as India’s ODI mainstay.