Ruturaj Gaikwad slammed his maiden ODI century when he brought up his milestone in 17 deliveries in the 2nd South Africa ODI on Wednesday. Gaikwad got to his ton with the help of 12 fours and 2 sixes as India stayed on course of posting a big total against the Proteas. With the ton, Gaikwad now has the highest List A average in the world (58.02), surpassing Michael Bevan (57.86).
Gaikwad had started the series on a not so ideal note, scoring 8 runs in the 1st ODI in Ranchi but showed his class on Wednesday in Raipur. The CSK captain would ultimately fall for 105 runs after he was caught by Tony de Zorzi off Marco Jansen. He was aptly supported by former India skipper Virat Kohli who scored his own century.
Ruturaj had gotten a chance in the ODI squad after a superb series for India A vs South Africa A last month. “Rutu is a top-class player. He will get his opportunity at some stage and we are looking forward to giving him the chance and letting him show what he can do and do the job for the team. There is never a question mark about his skill and how good he is as a player. It is just about the right opportunities and the right timing has come,” skipper Rahul had said ahead of the 1st ODI in Ranchi.
Earlier, South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bowl in the second ODI against India on Wednesday. South Africa made three changes to the playing XI, including Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi and Bavuma himself after the skipper missed the first match. They have replaced Prenelan Subrayen, Ryan Rickelton and Ottniel Baartman.
India, who lead the three-match series 1-0, remained unchanged. This is the 20th straight toss India have lost in One-day Internationals.
More to follow
