There was a funny moment in yet another day that was dominated by India in the ongoing home series against South Africa. Indian captain Virat Kohli moved comfortably to another half century, looking set for a big one. Just at the start of his innings, he was gifted four runs for a shot that he did not expect would gain more than a run.
It was just after the fall of centurion Mayank Agarwal that Keshav Maharaj was bowling to Kohli, when he played a forward defensive stroke. Ajinkya Rahane and Kohli scampered through for a single. At the same time, Rabada picked the ball and had a rather wild shy at the stumps. The ball went to the boundary, gifting Kohli and India four extra runs.
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Kohli, whose defensive push had earned him five runs, was naturally happy and he made his feelings known rather comically.
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? Nishant Barai (@barainishant) October 10, 2019
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India ended the day in a commanding position at 273 for 3 on the back of a second consecutive century by Mayank Agarwal. Agarwal has been an exceptional find for India since he eventually made his debut after scoring tons of runs in domestic cricket. India’s other centurion from the first match and Mayank’s opening partner however, was dismissed early by Rabada. Cheteshwar Pujara and Mayank Agarwal steadied the ship for India with a century stand before the former was dismissed by another Rabada beauty.
It was Rabada once again to take the third wicket, but not before Mayank had scored his second century of the series. As far as the looks of the match after day 1, it reminds of the first test where India went on to to score big batting first, which eventually set the tone for a comfortable victory. If South Africa do not make any dramatic improvement in the upcoming days, it could well be another comfortable victory for India, who haven’t been beaten at home for a while now.