The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur is set for a cricketing spectacle as Team India, riding high on a 1-0 lead, prepares to lock horns with South Africa in the second ODI on Wednesday. The anticipation soared during Tuesday's practice session, where the iconic duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma offered fans a tantalizing preview of their form.
Net Session Fuels Excitement for Raipur Clash
All eyes were on Virat Kohli during India's intense net session. Fresh from a commanding 135-run century in the series opener at Ranchi, Kohli appeared in sublime touch, effortlessly dispatching the bowlers for a couple of clean sixes. His practice displayed the same authority that anchored India's first innings.
Captain Rohit Sharma was also actively involved, spending considerable time observing Kohli's batting from close quarters. This interaction between the two stalwarts, a sight that never fails to delight fans, added to the buzz surrounding the upcoming match.
Recap of India's Thrilling Ranchi Victory
The foundation for India's series lead was laid in a high-scoring thriller in Ranchi, where the team secured a 17-run victory. The match was headlined by a vintage batting partnership from Rohit and Kohli, evoking memories of their past exploits.
The pair constructed a crucial 136-run stand for the second wicket. Rohit Sharma's fluent 57 off 51 balls, which included five fours and three sixes, was historically significant. With those maximums, the Indian skipper surpassed Pakistan's Shahid Afridi to claim the record for the most sixes in ODI cricket history, going past Afridi's tally of 351.
Virat Kohli, however, was the standout performer, crafting a brilliant 135 off 120 deliveries. His innings, laced with 11 fours and seven sixes, came at a strike rate of 112.50 and proved to be the backbone of India's total.
Team Effort Seals the Win
After a brief stumble in the middle overs, vital partnerships ensured India posted a formidable 349 for 8. KL Rahul played a fine supporting knock of 60 off 56 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja provided a late flourish with a quickfire 32 from just 20 deliveries.
South Africa's chase faced early turmoil, stumbling to 11 for 3 thanks to India's pacers. A fightback was led by Matthew Breetzke (72) and Marco Jansen, who blazed 80 off just 39 balls in a dangerous 97-run partnership. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav's timely interventions and a composed final over from the bowling unit helped India defend the total, despite a valiant 67 from Corbin Bosch. Young pacer Harshit Rana also impressed, finishing with figures of 3 for 65.
With momentum on their side, India now looks to clinch the ODI series in Raipur. All attention will be on whether the famed 'Ro-Ko' combination can once again deliver a masterclass and lead the team to an unassailable lead.
