Ambati Rayudu Slams Second ODI Ton to Revive India Against Zimbabwe

Ambati Rayudu brought India back on the rails as he slammed his second ODI hundred against Zimbabwe. With India losing half their side for below 100, Rayudu joined hands with Stuart Binny to revive India and post 255/6. (Scorecard)

Opting to bowl first in the first ODI , Zimbabwe kept India's new opening pair Ajinkya Rahane and Murali Vijay under a tight leash. Vijay - trying to break free - edged a wide half-volley to second slip. Rayudu - batting at three- joined captain Rahane and the pair put on 51 before Rahane was superbly caught by Hamilton Masakadza at slips.

Wickets kept tumbling at the other end but Rayudu held fort for the Indian team. After Manoj Tiwary, Robin Uthappa and Kedar Jadhav failed to provide him with support, the Mumbai Indians batsman found an able partner in Stuart Binny - who himself got to his maiden fifty with some lusty blows. Binny scored 77 off 76 deliveries and the stand added 160 runs for the sixth wicket. The pair broke the record of the 158-run stand added by MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh against Zimbabwe back in 2005.

Rayudu brought up his fifty in 72 deliveries and then opened his shoulders to provide India with the required momentum. The Baroda man got to his 100 off 117- balls and finally remained unbeaten on 124 off 133 deliveries with 12 fours and a six.