KL Rahul delivered a splendid thump in Centurion, bringing his eighth Test century during the initial Test against South Africa.
It was an innings bound with tremendous levelheadedness and coarseness, as KL Rahul fought furious spells and cloudy circumstances to score his eighth Test century during the initial match of the series against South Africa in Centurion.
KL Rahul Smashed Century In His First WicketKepper – Batsman Match
This was his second three-figure mark in Tests at the venue, becoming the first overseas cricketer to achieve this feat. Rahul smashed his century in 133 balls, displaying a mix of defensive acumen and attacking prowess throughout his innings on the first and second day of the Test. Interestingly, this match is also Rahul’s first as designated wicketkeeper-batter in Test cricket.
Kl Rahul arrived at the crease in a tricky situation, with India reeling at 92/4; the side had lost the key wicket of Shreyas Iyer (31) after a 68-run stand.
Rahul Made 43 Run Partnership For 7th Wicket
He shaped a 43-run organization for the seventh wicket before Rabada struck once more, excusing Shardul Thakur, got by Senior member Elgar for 24. Rahul continued to challenge the opposition despite the loss of wickets, quickly scoring 70 runs off 105 balls to lead India past the 200-run mark. Notwithstanding Rahul’s splendidly paced innings, it could have been challenging for the guests to cross even 150 in the principal innings.
Made Century In 133 Balls
In a span of six overs, he accelerated from 70 to 95, with 24 of those runs coming from four boundaries and a six. Displaying a fitting conclusion to his long-awaited ton, KL Rahul reached the three-figure mark with a six in the 67th over against Gerald Coetzee. With only one wicket remaining (Siraj dismissed in the same over), Rahul smashed the delivery for a six towards midwicket to reach the mark in 133 balls.
This was also his second successive century at the Centurion. Rahul also became the only second Indian wicketkeeper-batter to score a century in South Africa after Rishabh Pant, who achieved the feat during the 2021/22 tour