India’s KL Rahul made history with an unbeaten century against New Zealand in the ongoing ODI series at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium. Rahul became the first Indian wicketkeeper to score a hundred against the Black Caps in the 50-over format. Additionally, he is the first Indian to achieve an ODI century in Rajkot.
Rahul reached this milestone by hitting Kyle Jamieson’s full toss for a six in the 49th over, securing his eighth ODI century. The Karnataka-based wicketkeeper-batter completed his hundred in just 87 balls, finishing with 112 runs, including 11 fours and one six against New Zealand.
Batting at number five, Rahul started cautiously with six dot balls before opening his account on the seventh delivery. Despite losing his partner Virat Kohli early, Rahul built a crucial 73-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, who contributed 27 runs. He then guided India’s innings alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy, helping the team set a challenging target of 284/7 for New Zealand.
Rahul’s standout performance in the ODI series against New Zealand has showcased his composure and adaptability. With an ODI average of over 65 against New Zealand, Rahul has demonstrated patience and strategic shot selection, proving his value in crucial middle-over situations. His ability to read the game and adjust his pace accordingly has been instrumental in India’s recent successes.
In the series opener at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, Rahul played a crucial role in India’s victory over New Zealand, finishing the game with a quickfire 29 runs off 21 balls. His aggressive yet calculated approach has been a key asset for the Indian team in the ongoing series.
