KL Rahul smashes his 20th ODI half-century: Key stats
What's the story
KL Rahul once again led India from the front, this time in the 2nd ODI against South Africa at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur. Rahul scored a half-century in the second successive match, powering India to 358/5 in 50 overs. He added the finishing touch with his unbeaten 66 (43), after Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad hammered their respective centuries.
Knock
Rahul gains from set platform
Being invited to bat, both openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma, got positive starts. However, they couldn't capitalize on the same. After a blip (62/2), India rode on a 195-run stand between Kohli and Gaikwad. Rahul came in when Gaikwad's dismissal reduced India to 257/3. After Kohli reached his ton, India were staring at a collapse at 289/5.
Information
Rahul aces final few overs
Rahul found support from Ravindra Jadeja, but the duo was kept at bay despite the 69-run stand. Rahul, who was also dropped in the 46th over, helped India collect 18 runs from the last over. He hammered 6 fours and 2 sixes.
Fifties
Successive fifties for Rahul
As mentioned, Rahul scored a half-century in his second successive ODI. He scored a match-winning 60 in the series opener in Ranchi. Overall, Rahul raced to his 20th half-century in ODI cricket. His tally also includes seven tons. In 90 ODIs, the Indian batter now has 3,218 runs at an average of 49.50. He has a decent strike rate of 89.48.