India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul proved to be the team's star performer during the second ODI against New Zealand. He played a phenomenal knock of 112 runs from 92 deliveries as the hosts posted a total of 284/7 in 50 overs. This was Rahul's eighth century in ODIs and his second in the format against the Kiwis.
India had gotten off to a strong start thanks to openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. The duo played some fine shots and formed a robust partnership of 70 runs as the Men in Blue looked to be cruising. However, Kristian Clarke got the breakthrough and dismissed Rohit for 23. Gill soon reached his half-century, but wasn't able to continue for long and lost his wicket for 56 runs to Kyle Jamieson.
Clarke's fiery spell floors India
Clarke wasn't done yet as he then got the huge wickets of both Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli for 8 and 23 respectively, restricting India down to 118/4 at one stage. Rahul took the crease at No.5 and steadied the side's ship alongside Ravindra Jadeja. The duo batted sensibly and formed a gritty partnership of 73 runs. India's innings appeared to be back on track, but Jadeja was then dismissed by Michael Bracewell for 27 runs.
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With not many overs left, Rahul shifted gears and started to bat more aggressively. His shot-selection was superb and he soon reached his half-century. The 33-year-old continued to punish the Kiwi bowlers and formed a valiant 57-run stand with Nitish Kumar Reddy. Though the latter got dismissed for 20 runs in the 47th over, Rahul continued to bat like a one-man army.
Rahul carries India's innings
He eventually reached his century in the 49th over after facing 87 deliveries. He reached the mark by hitting a towering six to Jamieson. This was Rahul's second ODI ton against New Zealand and it couldn't have come at a better time for India. He scored 10 runs more in the final over and went on to remain unbeaten on 112 as the side handed a 285-run target to New Zealand in the second ODI.