Virat Kohli, on Friday, slammed his 26th century in the first innings of the second Test of the three-match series between India and South Africa at the MCA International Stadium in Pune. Riding on his brilliance and unabridged determination, the home team are on the verge of posting a huge total.
Resuming at 68 on day two, it took the Indian captain less than a session to reach the three-figure mark. He hit veteran pacer Vernon Philander to equal Steve Smith’s tally and keep the competition with the Australian alive in the traditional form of the game.
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The 30-year-old right-hander looked rock-solid in his approach right when he took the crease yesterday. With few half chances going in favour of him, he capitalised on his bright luck and kept a brisk scoring rate throughout his stay at the middle.
Starting the day at 273/3, Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane played the touring bowlers with respect as they had a cautious approach for the second new ball. But once the cherry lost its shine the batsmen accelerated and the fielders went all around the park.
Rahane completed his first half-century of the series and reflected on the good form he finds himself in at the moment. But he could not continue on his joyous run and edged a good length delivery from spinner Keshav Maharaj for Quinton de Kock to do the rest.
The touring bowlers had a futile first session of the day and failed to manage a single Indian wicket. It was the same story from yesterday where the likes of Rabada and Philander had the Indian batsmen on their toes but failed to sustain the pressure.
