IND vs NZ: Not MS Dhoni or Rishabh Pant - KL Rahul becomes first Indian wicket-keeper to achieve this feat

NEW DELHI: India batter KL Rahul reached a major milestone with an unbeaten century against New Zealand in the second ODI of the series at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Wednesday. Rahul became the first Indian wicketkeeper to score an ODI hundred against New Zealand and the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at this venue.

Rahul brought up his eighth ODI hundred in the 49th over by hitting Kyle Jamieson’s full toss for a six. He reached the landmark in 87 balls and remained not out on 112, scoring 11 fours and one six.




Batting at No. 5, Rahul began cautiously and did not score off his first six deliveries. He opened his account on the seventh ball. Soon after, India lost Virat Kohli, who was dismissed for 23.

With India under pressure, Rahul added 73 runs with Ravindra Jadeja, who scored 27. After Jadeja’s dismissal, Rahul continued to anchor the innings with Nitish Kumar Reddy at the other end. India finished on 284 for seven, setting New Zealand a target of 285.

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Rahul’s approach through the series has stood out. He has handled different match situations, whether rebuilding after early wickets or batting through the innings. His ODI average of over 93 against New Zealand reflects his consistency against the opposition. His role in the middle overs again proved key on Wednesday.

In the first ODI at Vadodara, Rahul played a short but important innings, scoring 29 off 21 balls with two fours and a six. He sealed the chase by hitting two fours and a six in the 49th over as India won by four wickets.

Earlier on Wednesday, New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell won the toss and chose to bowl first in the second ODI. India had taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with their win in Vadodara. The third ODI will be played in Indore on Sunday.

Both teams made one change. Left-arm spin all-rounder Jayden Lennox came in for New Zealand, while wrist spinner Adithya Ashok was left out.

India were forced into a change after Washington Sundar suffered a rib injury in the first ODI and was ruled out of the series. Batter Ayush Badoni was added to the squad for the remaining matches, and all-rounder Nitish Reddy replaced Sundar in the playing XI.


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