NZ vs IND: KL Rahul scores his fourth ODI century
Indian wicket-keeper batsman KL Rahul continued his fine performance in the ongoing New Zealand series, as he scored fourth ODI century of his career. Indian skipper Virat Kohli had given Rahul the all-important fifth slot and the latter has repaid the faith. With this century, he remains the highest run-scorer in 2020. Rahul and Shreyas Iyer (62) helped India recover post losing early wickets.
Rahul scores 112, goes past 200 runs in the series
This was Rahul's first century of the series, as he was dismissed for 112. In the process, he also went past 200 runs in the series. Rahul has scored 204 runs at a brilliant average of 102, including a half-century as well. He also has a strike-rate of 110.27. Meanwhile, this was his maiden ton in New Zealand.
Rahul is having a great time batting at number five
How does the match stand so far?
After being invited to bat first, India were off to a shaky start, as they lost their opening two wickets in the first 10. They were struggling at 62/3. However, it was the pair of Shreyas Iyer and Rahul, who put up a 100-run stand for the fourth wicket. Team India ended with 296/7. For New Zealand, Hamish Bennett claimed 4/64.
Notable records notched by Rahul in this match
Iyer and Rahul became the second Indian pair (number four and five) to notch two century-plus stands in an ODI series. The last pair to achieve the feat was Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni (versus Pakistan, 2007). Rahul has raced to 1,239 career ODI runs. He surpassed the likes of Harbhajan Singh (1,213) and Nayan Mongia (1,230) in this process.
India have found their number five in ODI cricket
India have found a solid option at number five in the form of Rahul. The manner in which he sets himself up and paces his innings, is something for everyone to witness. With three scores of 80-plus at number five, Rahul is someone who brings substance in this line-up. With Iyer delivering consistently at number four, India are sorted in these two positions.
