It was the turn of Cheteshwar Pujara to score a century after Virat Kohli in the first innings. Though, Kohli once again came very near to score yet another century, that wasn’t to be. But the day belonged to Cheteshwar Pujara, who was looking confidence personified when batting against the pace battery of South Africa.

Pujara scored 153 runs off 270 balls with the help of 21 fours. However, it was a slow start for Pujara, who needed 127 balls to reach to his score of fifty runs. The slow batting was understandable as India had once again lost quick wickets early in the innings and needed some sound partnership to go on.

The number three batsman once again proved why he is called the replacement of Rahul Dravid. Being another ‘Wall’ for India, Pujara scored only off the loose balls and left alone the other ones. The patience finally paid off and he could score another decent century for the country.

However, the next fifty runs literally rained. In a total of 168 balls, Pujara had reached his century. Until reaching his fifty, Pujara had hit only five boundaries. But he was more attacking and hit eight more fours and by the time he reached the 100-run mark, he had stroked 13 fours in all. He ended the third day on a personal score of 135 runs.

It was a matter of just 15 more runs to get to the 150-run mark that Pujara did with ease. Facing 247 balls and sending the ball 21 times to the fence, he reached 150 runs. The confidence on his face went one notch up every time he scored a run and every time he hit a boundary.

There was hardly anything that might have stopped Pujara, but his misfortune. Just three runs later, he was sent back to the pavilion caught behind by AB de Villiers on the bowling of Kallis. By the time he reached 150 runs he had spent more than four hours and a stroke of missed concentration may have cost him his wicket as he wasn’t looking comfortable earlier.

But nevertheless the innings from Cheteshwar Pujara certainly put India in a commanding position and giving India an outside chance of winning the match.

Article Posted By : abhi_bangal  On December 21, 2013lView All Articles

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Cheteshwar Pujara century , Cheteshwar Pujara century against South Africa