Daijiworld Media Network - New Chandigarh
New Chandigarh (Punjab), Oct 3: Indian batter KL Rahul completed 10,000 international runs during the third ODI against the West Indies on Friday, becoming the 15th Indian cricketer to achieve the milestone.
India were in early trouble at 4/2 after opting to bat first, but Rahul produced a stunning ninth ODI century to revive the innings. He reached his hundred in just 80 balls and remained unbeaten on 129 off 87 deliveries, smashing 10 fours and six sixes at a strike rate of more than 148.
With his unbeaten century, Rahul took his international tally to 10,094 runs from 243 matches and 281 innings at an average of 41.03. His tally includes 23 centuries and 63 half-centuries.
In ODIs, Rahul has scored 3,541 runs in 101 matches and innings at an average of 51.31 and a strike rate of more than 92. He has nine centuries and 20 fifties, with a best score of 129 not out.
In Tests, Rahul has amassed 4,288 runs from 70 matches and 122 innings at an average of 36.64, including 12 centuries and 21 fifties. His highest Test score is 199.
In T20Is, Rahul has scored 2,265 runs in 72 matches and 68 innings at an average of 37.75 and a strike rate of more than 139. He has two centuries and 22 fifties, with a best score of 110 not out.
Rahul's 129 not out is the third-highest score by an Indian batter while batting at No. 5 in ODIs. Only Yuvraj Singh's 139 against Australia in Sydney in 2004 and MS Dhoni's 134 against England in Cuttack in 2017 are higher.
Rahul has also enjoyed a prolific year in ODIs, scoring 323 runs in 10 matches and eight innings at an average of 80.75 and a strike rate of 136.28, including two centuries.
Coming to the match, India won the toss and elected to bat first but endured a disastrous start, losing skipper Shubman Gill for one and Virat Kohli for a duck.
Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad then steadied the innings with a 137-run partnership for the third wicket. Rohit was dismissed for 92 off 85 balls, hitting 10 fours and three sixes, while Ruturaj scored 57 off 69 deliveries, with one four and four sixes.
Rahul then took charge and unleashed an explosive century while batting alongside the lower order, helping India post 351/7.
It was India's 45th score of 350 or more in ODIs, the most by any team.