Centurion, Dec 26: Opener K L Rahul produced a majestic knock in testing conditions en route to his sixth overseas century as India made a near perfect start to the Test series against South Africa, here on Sunday.
Rahul (1228), alongside opener partner Mayank Agarwal (60), set up a strong platform for India with a 117-run stand, enabling the visitors to reach 272 for three at stumps.
Skipper Virat Kohli (35) fell to a loose shot after doing all the hardwork while under-pressure Cheteshwar Pujara lasted only one ball. Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane (40*) were in the middle at close of play.
Barring Lungi Ngidi, who took all the wickets to fall on the day, South Africa pacers were not probing enough in their line and lengths and offered too many loose balls.
The day belonged to Rahul, who showed remarkable resolve and application during his seventh Test hundred. He reached the three-figure mark in England earlier this year and has also scored a hundred in every country he has played in.
In the end, Rahul ended up collecting 16 fours and a six. His innings had all his attractive range of strokes, including the cover drives and his punch shot off the back foot. He got to the 90s with a six off spinner Keshav Maharaj and stayed there for a while before reaching the milestone with a gentle steer off the left-arm bowler through point.
He also shared a crucial 82 run stand with Kohli after Ngidi removed Agarwal and Pujara off successive deliveries. The India skipper was the only wicket to fall in the evening session and that was rather a gift to the struggling South Africa. Kohli went for an expansive drive off a very wide ball.
Earlier, South Africa fought back with a couple of wickets in the afternoon session via Ngidi but India still controlled the proceedings by reaching 157 for two at tea.
India scored 74 runs in the second session while Ngidi removed Agarwal and Pujara off successive balls.
Agarwal, who got to his half century after lunch, was dismissed against the run of play. The ball appeared to bounce over the wicket apart from missing the leg stump but the on-field decision was reversed when DRS revealed that it was hitting the wickets.
Rahul and Agarwal became only the third Indian opening pair to stitch a century stand in 21 games in South Africa.
Pujara walked in and was dismissed first ball, inside edging a defensive shot to Keegan Petersen at short leg. (PTI)
