Ajinkya Rahane slams a ton on Hampshire debut
Playing in his maiden English county first-class match, India’s Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane scored 119 against Nottinghamshire at Newport. He became only the third Indian batsman (after Piyush Chawla and Murali Vijay) to achieve this feat.
Rahane was dismissed on 10 in the first innings by Stuart Broad, but the Indian batsman showed great courage in fighting back the second time and reached the three-figure mark. He came out to bat late on the second day and returned not out on zero. Hampshire was struggling at 9/2, but Rahane built a 257-run partnership for the third wicket with Captain Sam Northeast.
CENTURY: A phenomenal knock from @ajinkyarahane88! ??
What an effort it’s been on debut, his century coming off 179 balls with 12 fours – 219-2 (290 ahead).
? iOS: https://t.co/3H80EnOA4p
? Android: https://t.co/gImTwZuJKX pic.twitter.com/EjJFzlY5w5
— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) May 22, 2019
“I am really happy with the way I batted. I wanted to make this count. I just wanted to bat, bat and bat. I wanted to take my team to a good position. I had a simple game-plan about playing close to my body and playing as late as possible,” said an elated Rahane while speaking to ESPN Cricinfo. This was his 30th first-class hundred and it was brought up with a cover drive off Carter.
Rahane’s knock 119 coupled with Northeast’s 133 has placed Hampshire in a leading position. After setting a target of 439 runs, they reduced Nottinghamshire to 42/2 before the third day’s play ended. Nottinghamshire has an uphill battle of saving the day and the match.
