KL Rahul produced a captain’s knock, slamming his eighth ODI hundred to propel India to 284 for eight in the second One Day International against New Zealand here today. The 32-year-old’s polished 112 from 110 deliveries, including 10 fours and 2 sixes, rescued India from 49/3 and set a testing 285-run victory target for the Black Caps.
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, India endured a horror start. Shubman Gill edged one to slip off Trent Boult, while Sai Sudharsan and Yashasvi Jaiswal perished attempting quick runs. Rahul, promoted to number four, took charge immediately, driving elegantly through covers and lofting spinners over midwicket.
His crucial 78-run alliance with Tilak Varma (42) halted the slide, blending caution with calculated risks. Rahul reached his ton with a trademark cover drive off William O’Rourke, fist-pumping in delight. The momentum shifted as India’s middle order exploded – Axar Patel smashed 32 off 18, while Rishabh Pant added late fireworks despite a hamstring niggle.
New Zealand’s fielding remained sharp, with several athletic stops, but their spinners struggled on a batsman-friendly track. Lockie Ferguson claimed 3/56, but it was Rahul’s day. This marks his second successive fifty-plus score in the series, underlining his consistency.
With the series level 1-1, Henry Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra will open the chase. India’s pace battery, spearheaded by Mohammed Siraj, eyes early wickets. Rahul’s masterclass has tilted the scales – New Zealand faces a steep task under pressure.
