Ruturaj Gaikwad scored his maiden ODI hundred against South Africa in a thrilling second ODI. Stay updated on his innings and India’s progress in the ongoing match. (Image Credit: Instagram: indiancricketteam)
Ruturaj Gaikwad scored his maiden ODI hundred in Raipur to put India in complete control during the second ODI of the South Africa tour. Walking in after India lost both openers early, the right-hander showed class, timing and composure on a surface offering just enough for the bowlers.
At 247/2 in 33.4 overs, India seemed to be heading towards a massive total with Gaikwad still unbeaten on a superb 100 off 77 deliveries, an innings laced with 12 fours and 2 sixes. His hundred came at a strike rate of 129.87, reflecting both authority and fluency.
Gaikwad joined Virat Kohli, who was batting fluently on 91 off 79, and the pair stitched a massive, unbeaten 185-run stand off 144 balls.
Gaikwad was cautious to start, but soon opened up as he drove through the covers, worked the gaps with soft hands, and punished anything remotely loose. His reading of spin, more so against Keshav Maharaj, was outstanding, at times using his feet to neutralise any turn and find boundaries.
This will remain one of the most authoritative ODI innings from Ruturaj Gaikwad, as he rotated strike with so much ease, kept the tempo healthy, and never let the pressure build up. The defining period was his acceleration between the 25th and 33rd over as he managed to find boundaries at regular intervals and kept India's run rate over seven.
With Virat Kohli on 91* and Gaikwad exactly on 100*, India have a perfect platform to push towards a colossal score, perhaps even bat South Africa out of the match. The middle order with KL Rahul, Jadeja, Sundar, and all the others is yet to come, further strengthening India’s position.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the live match situation. India vs South Africa, 2nd ODI, is currently underway, and the details mentioned reflect the score at the time of writing.
