NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli’s back-to-back hundred, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s maiden century (105), and KL Rahul’s quickfire 66 not out powered India to a commanding 358 for five against South Africa in the second ODI on Wednesday.

Kohli (102 off 93 balls, 7x4s, 2x6s) and Gaikwad (105 off 83 balls, 12x4s, 2x6s) smashed records, putting together India’s highest third-wicket partnership against South Africa in ODIs with 195 runs. This stand laid the foundation for India to post a big total.

Rahul’s 66 not out off 43 balls, his second consecutive fifty, ensured India’s momentum remained strong, despite reshuffles in the batting order with the stand-in skipper coming at No 5 ahead of Washington Sundar.

Rohit Sharma (14) fell early, edging one to Nandre Burger, after hitting three consecutive fours in the fifth over. Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) started brightly with a couple of fours and a six but fell to Jansen, who generated extra bounce to induce a mishit.

Perfect partnership fuels momentum

The early setbacks did little to dent India as Kohli joined Gaikwad, who looked determined to prove a point. Unlike at Ranchi, where he was adjusting to the middle order, Gaikwad complemented Kohli perfectly as the pair racked up runs effortlessly.

With Ajinkya Rahane in tow, Kohli had previously shared a 189-run stand at Durban in February 2018, but this partnership with Gaikwad may have brought even more satisfaction, with the Maharashtra batter mirroring Kohli’s strokeplay.

Singles were converted into doubles seamlessly, and often it was hard to tell who had hit the scoring shot, as Gaikwad kept pace with Kohli in timing and placement.

If Gaikwad was tentative early on, he grew in confidence, posting a fine half-century and accelerating past his milestone. Keshav Maharaj was punished for two fours and a six in the 28th over before Gaikwad reached his century in the 34th over.

Off the blocks with a textbook pull shot that sailed over the ropes, Kohli was in sublime touch, completing his record-extending 53rd ODI century with impeccable timing and control.

(With PTI Inputs)