India’s star cricketer KL Rahul was the only silver lining for India in the Test opener against the South African cricket team at Supersport Park in Centurion. When the majority of the batters struggled to produce a spark in the seaming conditions, KL Rahul played a different brand of cricket altogether. The classy batter combined his game with caution and aggression, which helped him go about his work.
The right-handed batsman also took calculative risks when it mattered the most, which saw him defy the odds and come through with flying colors in the most challenging conditions. The Bengaluru-born cricketer remained unbeaten on 70* after the end of Day 1. He extended his dominance on the subsequent day wherein he made a telling impact by helping the team add a bit more flesh to the scoreboard.
KL Rahul brings up his 8th Test century with a scintillating six
The classy batsman let his bat do the talking on Day 2 as he played some brilliant shots down the ground and over the fence as well. When India lost 9 wickets, with KL Rahul remaining unbeaten, every Indian pinned hopes on him to get to his triple-digit score. When the batsman was batting on 95 with one ball remaining in the over, South African captain Temba Bavuma brought the fielders inside the circle to stop the single.
Centurion at Centurion once again! 🫡#KLRahul, TAKE A BOW!#TeamIndia's new keeper-batter rises to the occasion & brings up a memorable ton under tough circumstances.
His success mantra – Always #Believe!
Tune in to #SAvIND 1st Test
LIVE NOW | Star Sports Network pic.twitter.com/tYoDZNNJsV— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 27, 2023
Nevertheless, KL Rahul made up his mind to swing his blade to perfection off Gerald Coetzee’s delivery. He launched the ball into the stands over the deep mid-wicket to bring up his eighth Test century. Thus, he became the first overseas batsman to score multiple Test centuries in Centurion. Had it not been for his counterattacking instinct, it would have certainly been a different story altogether.
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KL Rahul’s innings came to an end in the 68th over when he tried to play the ball in the wrong line off Nandre Burger’s delivery, which backfired him as it made a mess of his middle stump. Rahul drew plaudits for his magnificent knock which comprised 14 fours and a six. India were bowled out for 245 in the first innings.