Wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul showcased a brilliant performance, scoring an unbeaten 112 off 92 balls, leading India to a total of 284/7 in the second ODI against New Zealand at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium. Despite a challenging start against Kyle Jamieson, India’s openers managed to reach 57 without loss by the end of the first Power-play. Following the dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill’s quick half-century kept the momentum going.
India faced a setback as Gill’s departure led to a collapse from 99/1 to 118/4 on a tricky pitch. KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja then steadied the innings with a cautious 73-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Rahul, later accelerating his innings, notched up his eighth ODI hundred with 11 fours and a six. His stellar performance ensured India set a competitive total, a crucial factor at a venue where previous ODIs have favored teams batting first.
New Zealand’s decision to bowl first paid off initially, with Jamieson impressing with the new ball, delivering consecutive maidens. However, Rohit’s departure for 24 and Gill’s dismissal for 56 by Jamieson triggered a middle-order collapse for India. Despite losing partners, Rahul showcased exquisite strokes and reached his century with a boundary and a six off Jamieson, guiding India past 280.
In the latter stages, Rahul’s aggressive batting added quick runs, supported briefly by Nitish Kumar Reddy and debutant Jayden Lennox. Rahul’s century and late boundaries pushed India to 284/7, setting New Zealand a challenging target under lights.
