ZCZC
BSP-07
CRICKET-IND-RSA
Ton-up Rahane, Sharma extend India’s domination in third Test
RANCHI, India, Oct 20, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Overnight batsmen Ajinkya Rahane
and Rohit Sharma extended their partnership to over 200 and put India on
course for a big total against South Africa in the third Test on Sunday.
The hosts were 274 for three in 70 overs after starting the day on 224
following their decision to bat first in Ranchi.
Rahane moved from his overnight 83 to complete his 11th Test hundred in
the morning session of day two, earning a standing ovation from the Indian
dressing room.
Sharma, who recorded his third century of the series on the opening day,
hit a string of boundaries against paceman Lungi Ngidi and soon reached 150.
The batting duo took their fourth wicket stand to 235 after pulling India
out of early trouble when they were reduced to 39 for three on day one.
Bad light and rain forced an early end to Saturday’s opening day with only
58 overs after play was called off.
Virat Kohli’s India aim for a whitewash having already taken an
unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
BSS/AFP/SSS/1131 hrs