Kedar Jadhav explodes with 65-ball century, rules England bowlers
Kedar Jadhav scored his second ODI century, the fifth fastest by an Indian, and was involved in a 200-run stand with skipper Virat Kohli in the first match of the series against England in Pune.
Kedar Jadhav’s attacking prowess was at its best against England on Sunday as he hit his second century in just 65 balls to take India to a fighting position in a 351-run chase in the first ODI.
Jadhav was out for 120 (76b) but it put India on course for an improbable win and the Virat Kohli-led side achieved it with three wickets in hand. Jadhav, who became the fifth fastest Indian centurion, was named the ‘Man of the Match’ for his effort.
Joining captain Virat Kohli (122) after India were reduced to 63/4, Jadhav showed no nerves as he took the fight to the opposition. He reached 100 in 65 balls, with the help of two sixes and 11 fours. This is the second fastest ton by an Indian against England, after Yuvraj Singh’s 64-ball effort at Rajkot in 2008.
With Kohli showing the way from the other end with his 27th ton, Jadhav shone bright as he went after the England bowlers. Jadhav reached his half-century in 29 balls – the second quickest ODI fifty by any Indian against England, after MS Dhoni’s 26-ball effort in 2011.
He was involved in a 200-run stand with Virat Kohli – the fifth highest fifth wicket partnership ever in ODIs.