India vs South Africa, 1st Test: KL Rahul hits century to dominate on Day 1

India dominated from the start and finished 272/3 at Stumps on Day 1 of the first test against South Africa. Indian batters produced a solid and brilliant batting performance at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Indian vice-captain KL Rahul put his side in a strong position by hitting a blistering century and remained unbeaten on 122. South African pacer Lungi Ngidi bagged all three wickets and remained the only successful bowler for his team.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli chose to bat first after winning the toss. Indian openers Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul gave their side a solid start. Both showed excellent temperament and scored runs freely. Agarwal and Rahul went on to stitch a 117-run partnership for the first wicket before Agarwal was dismissed for 60. This is only the third 100-plus stand by an Indian pair for the first wicket in the Rainbow nation. 

Agarwal, who looked strong in his shots, was trapped leg-before by Lungi Ngidi. The Proteas seamer dismissed Cheteshwar Puajara on the very next ball to put some pressure on India. Kohli then joined Rahul to add 80 runs for the third wicket. Kohli looked confident and was brilliant with his shot selections. Ngidi delivered an excellent out-swinger to bag Kohli for 35.

KL Rahul continued his prime form by scoring seventh test century on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test. Rahul became the second Indian opener to score a hundred in South Africa after Wasim Jaffer. Indian vice-captain now holds the record of the highest score by an Indian opener in South Africa. Ajinkya Rahane was impressive and remained unbeaten on 40. The Proteas bowlers have to deliver something special to restrict the Indian batters.