Ajinkya Rahane made the day with his 11th test century in the third Test against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday. Rahane came in to bat when India was in trouble at 39 for three with the top-order being knocked out at an early stage by South African bowlers.
Rahane smashed 14 boundaries and one six to reach a three-figure mark. He along with Rohit stitched a partnership of 200-plus for the 4th wicket. This was Rahane’s first Test hundred at home in over three years. It was in 2015 where Rahane made his last hundred in the longest format against South Africa.
On day one of the Ranchi Test, South Africa started well with some quick wickets. Mayank Agarwal was dismissed for 10 in the fifth over by Kagiso Rabada and Cheteshwar Pujara was sent back as he was caught right in front of the stumps by Rabada. Anrich Nortje got his first Test wicket in Virat Kohli when a close LBW call went in favor of the visitors.
But with Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma, the game changed as the pair started to dominate the South African bowlers.
Rahane came out with positive intent and completed his half-century in just 70 balls. On the other hand, Rohit slammed his sixth Test hundred on the opening day of the third Test.
Now, India was in a commanding position with massive runs on the second day of the Ranchi Test with five wickets in hand.
