Rachin Ravindra Archives

Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra centuries flatten Zimbabwe

Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, and Rachin Ravindra hit centuries as New Zealand produced a relentless batting performance on the second day of the second Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club on Friday.

New Zealand were 601 for three at the close in reply to Zimbabwe’s first innings total of 125, a lead of 476 runs.

Conway scored 153, ending a 16-match streak without a Test century.

Henry Nicholls, playing in his first Test series since December 2023, made 150 not out, while Rachin Ravindra hammered an unbeaten 165 at better than a run a ball.

It was another day of one-sided cricket after the Black Caps resumed on 174 for one, already 49 runs ahead. It took Zimbabwe an hour to remove nightwatchman Jacob Duffy, who made 36.

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The rest of the day brought only one more wicket, that of Conway, who fell to the second new ball when he misjudged the bounce against Blessing Muzarabani and was bowled off his body.

Nicholls was on 64 when Ravindra joined him after Conway’s dismissal. Ravindra, a left-hander like the other two centurions, quickly went on the attack and by the close had overtaken his partner.

Ravindra reached his century off 104 balls. With stand-in captain Mitchell Santner opting not to declare despite having a significant lead, Ravindra went on the rampage towards the close, adding another 65 runs off just 35 balls.

Zimbabwe fast bowlers Muzarabani and Tanaka Chivanga, usually the team’s most effective bowlers, were both expensive against formidable New Zealand batting.

Muzarabani took one for 101 in 24 overs, while Chivanga went wicketless in conceding 94 runs off 17 overs.

Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine used seven bowlers in a futile attempt to stop the flow of runs on a day in which New Zealand scored 427 runs for the loss of two wickets.

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ICC unveils nominees for Player of the Month awards for March 2025

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday unveiled the nominees for the Men’s Player of the Month for March 2025, featuring India’s Shreyas Iyer and the New Zealand duo Rachin Ravindra and Jacob Duffy.

Ravindra earned his nomination on the back of an impactful all-round show in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The left-handed batter notched up 151 runs at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 106.33, alongside picking up three wickets at a tidy economy rate of 4.66.

Ravindra’s standout moment came in the semi-final against South Africa, where he slammed a brilliant 108, his second century of the tournament, and stitched a 164-run stand with Kane Williamson, helping New Zealand post the highest-ever total in Champions Trophy history.

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer played a vital role in India’s title-winning campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, finishing as the team’s highest run-scorer.

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The right-hander amassed 172 runs in three ODIs at an average of 57.33 and a strike rate of 77.47.

While his top score (79) came during India’s group-stage clash against New Zealand, Iyer also chipped in with key contributions in the knockout stages, scoring 45 in the semi-final against Australia and 48 in the final versus the Kiwis.

Jacob Duffy, on the other hand, found his place on the list thanks to a stellar run in the recent home white-ball series against Pakistan, which included five T20Is and three ODIs.

Duffy finished as the highest wicket-taker in the T20I leg, bagging 13 wickets at an exceptional average of 8.38 and an economy of 6.17. His consistent performances also took him to the top of the ICC Men’s T20I bowling rankings.

He also struck early in the ODI series, claiming two wickets in the first match to end the month with 15 wickets in six games.

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Kiwi match-winner Ravindra relishes return after freak accident

New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra on Monday thanked his support staff and well-wishers for the care after a freak on-field accident as he returned to action with a match-winning century that booked his side’s passage to the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Ravindra hit 112 as New Zealand marched into the semis, taking India along with them, after his team’s win over Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.

The result meant that Bangladesh and hosts Pakistan both crash out of contention for a place in the semis in the 50-over tournament of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Ravindra’s fourth ODI ton, on his Champions Trophy debut, sealed New Zealand’s chase of 237 with 23 balls and five wickets to spare.

The left-hander missed New Zealand’s opening victory over Pakistan after being hit by the ball on his forehead when fielding in a recent tri-series match against the same opponents.

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“Yeah, definitely a freak accident,” Rachin Ravindra told reporters on Monday. “I think things like that don’t really happen too often.”

“I’m very grateful to have a great support crew around me in terms of Black Caps set up, coaches and doc and physio that have been able to come out of it reasonably well and I’m extremely grateful for the love and support of everyone.”

Ravindra walked into bat with New Zealand in trouble at 15-2 and put on key stands including a 129-run fourth-wicket partnership with Tom Latham, who hit 55.

The knock came after Michael Bracewell returned figures of 4-26 with off-spin to restrict Bangladesh to 236-9.

“It’s obviously been interesting dealing with the return to play protocols and stuff,” said Ravindra.

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“But having the support around me has been great and being able to come here and contribute to a win for the Black Caps, an environment that I hold dearly and I enjoy so much playing for… it was cool to come back and really enjoy my cricket again after that weird moment.”

Ravindra’s latest knock re-affirmed his love for ICC events – he struck a ton on his ODI World Cup debut in 2023 and added another later in the tournament against Pakistan.

“He’s doing Rachin things I guess,” said skipper Mitchell Santner who was full of praise for the 25-year-old who struck 12 fours and a six.

“He loves ICC events. Looks like he never left the game. He wasn’t as fluid as he’d have liked but when he gets going he’s tough to stop. His partnerships were good too.”

New Zealand play their final group match against India in Dubai on Sunday.

READ: Pakistan likely to play five-match Test series against England: reports

New Zealand coach shares update on Rachin Ravindra ahead of tri-nation series final

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has shared a major fitness update on batter Rachin Ravindra ahead of the tri-nation ODI series final against hosts Pakistan.

Ravindra left the field bloodied after losing sight of the bowl while going for a catch off spinner Michael Bracewell in the opening game against Pakistan in Lahore on February 8.

The ball struck the New Zealand batter in the forehead and he was left bloodied.

Following the game, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) stated that the batter sustained a ‘laceration’ to the forehead, however, he was ‘otherwise well.’

Now, head coach Gary Stead has said that Rachin Ravindra will need more time to return to the field as he still has a headache.

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“Rachin obviously got that nasty blow in Lahore to the forehead. The pleasing thing is he’s progressing well,” he said in a video released by New Zealand Cricket.

“So, we are following HIA protocols at the moment. He’s had a headache for a few days, but that’s subsiding, which is really good news.”

Stead revealed that Ravindra returned to the nets and ‘hit a few balls tonight for the first time.’

“But it’s still a few more steps for him to go through before he would be considered fit for play,” Stead said.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand coach did not specify whether Rachin Ravindra will be available for the tri-nation ODI series final against Pakistan.

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WATCH: Rachin Ravindra takes nasty blow to the head in scary incident

New Zealand star batter Rachin Ravindra coped with a nasty blow while taking a catch off Michael Bracewell in the first match of the tri-nation series against Pakistan on Saturday at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

The incident happened in the 37th over of the match when Pakistan’s batter Khushdil Shah slog-swept Michael Bracewell to the deep square leg.

Ravindra positioned himself to take a catch, however, he lost sight of the ball in the floodlights, and it struck him in the forehead. As medical personnel hurried onto the pitch, he was observed looking at the ground, seemingly dazed with blood streaming down his face.

Following the all-rounder’s injury, the crowd fell silent in shock. Rachin Ravindra lay on the ground for a few minutes while receiving first aid, but with the help of the medical team, he got up and left the pitch with a towel to his head to cheers from the crowd at Gaddafi Stadium, which had just been full of energy.

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The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has provided details of the star batter’s injury while assuring that he is in good health.

The board further said that he has passed his initial Head Injury Assessment and he would remain under further observation.

”He came through his first HIA (Head Injury Assessment) well and will continue to be monitored under HIA processes,” NZC said in a statement.

It is noteworthy that the latest incident has added to New Zealand’s already injury concerns as lead pacer Lockie Fergusons suffered a hamstring injury during the International league T20 (ILT20) in the UAE.

Pertinent to note here that New Zealand achieved a convincing victory against Pakistan by 78 runs in the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

Batting first, Glenn Phillips scored a fiery unbeaten ton after Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell’s fifties to power New Zealand to 330 over the loss of six wickets.

Chasing 331, Pakistan were bowled out for 252 in 47.5 overs at Gaddafi Stadium.

READ: New Zealand Cricket provides update on Rachin Ravindra’s injury

New Zealand Cricket provides update on Rachin Ravindra’s injury

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has provided an injury update on the all-rounder Rachin Ravindra after he was hit by a ball during the first ODI of the tri-nation series against Pakistan on Saturday.

The incident happened in the 37th over of the second innings when Ravindra lost sight of the ball while going for a catch off Michael Bracewell.

The ball struck the New Zealand batter’s forehead and he was left bruised.

The New Zealand Cricket provided details of the star batter’s injury while assuring that he is in good health.

“Ravindra sustained a ‘laceration’ to the forehead, however, he was ‘otherwise well,” said New Zealand Cricket after the match.

“Rachin Ravindra was forced from the field after being struck in the forehead by the ball attempting a catch in the 38th over. He sustained a laceration to the forehead which has been addressed and treated at the ground, but is otherwise well.”

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The board further said that he has passed his initial Head Injury Assessment and he would remain under further observation.

”He came through his first HIA (Head Injury Assessment) well and will continue to be monitored under HIA processes,” NZC said in a statement.

It is noteworthy that the latest incident has added to New Zealand’s already injury concerns as lead pacer Lockie Ferguson suffered a hamstring injury during the International league T20 (ILT20) in the UAE.

It is pertinent to note that New Zealand achieved a convincing victory against Pakistan by 78 runs in the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

Batting first, Glenn Phillips scored a fiery unbeaten ton after Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell’s fifties to power New Zealand to 330 over the loss of six wickets.

Chasing 331, Pakistan were bowled out for 252 in 47.5 overs at Gaddafi Stadium.

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New Zealand’s Ravindra excited for India Tests with father in crowd

New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra said Monday facing India in Bengaluru in the birth city of his father will be a “special” moment with his family cheering in the stands.

The Black Caps begin the three-Test match series on Wednesday, but the Wellington-born Ravindra — who called himself “a Kiwi all the way through” — said facing India will be an emotional moment.

“I am very proud of my Indian origin,” the 24-year-old told reporters. “To be able to play where a lot of my family is based is something special.”

Ravindra has played nine Tests since his debut in Kanpur in 2021 and has become a regular in the national team with his swashbuckling batting.

The left-hander enjoyed a prolific ODI World Cup in India last year and then made an impression in his debut Indian Premier League T20 tournament for Chennai Super Kings.

He called them both “two pretty cool experiences to have”, but said playing a Test was “something different”.

“Test cricket is the pinnacle,” he said, and so it “makes it extra significant because of the family connection” to play in Bengaluru.

“Dad will be here watching,” he said. “Those moments, you pinch yourself on the journey”.

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Rachin Ravindra, who plays spin well on turning sub-continent pitches, amassed 578 runs including three centuries 10 World Cup matches in 2023.

In the IPL, he scored 222 runs for five-time winners Chennai, at a strike rate of over 160.

Having experienced cricket in India, he said he was eager for the challenge ahead.

“We know how passionate the Indian people are about cricket”, he said, praising the “hype and the buzz” around the game — and that he was “excited to have a fully-fledged three-match series” to play.

India, led by Rohit Sharma, remain firm favourites after their recent 2-0 sweep of Bangladesh and will look to consolidate their position at the top of the World Test Championship table.

The hosts handed a bruising defeat to Bangladesh in the final Test, where more than two days were lost due to rain.

“We want to be a team that can make 400 runs in a day, and bat for two days to draw,” India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir said.

“That’s called growth, that’s called adaptability — and that’s called Test cricket.”

New Zealand are on the last leg of their sub-continent tour, which started with a washout against Afghanistan near New Delhi. The Kiwis then lost 2-0 in Sri Lanka after going down in a hard-fought opener.

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Unbeaten Rachin Ravindra gives New Zealand fighting chance in Sri Lanka Test

GALLE: Rachin Ravindra scored an unbeaten 91 to give New Zealand a slender chance against Sri Lanka, with two wickets remaining and another 68 runs needed after day four of the first Test here on Sunday.

Set a target of 275, New Zealand were 207-8 at stumps with spinner Ajaz Patel, on nought, to resume with Ravindra on Monday.

Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya picked up three wickets each on a sharply turning pitch in Galle, where the Black Caps have lost all four of their previous Test encounters.

“This is the usual Galle pitch,” Jayasuriya told reporters. “We know that anything above 250 is tough to chase. It is really helping us now.”

“We need to take two wickets but we are aware a set batsman is out there as well. We need to put some pressure on them in the morning,” he said.

Ravindra’s knock was the highest score by a New Zealander on the ground, eclipsing Ross Taylor’s 89 in 2019.

The left-hander appeared solid on a spin-friendly wicket but lacked support from other batsmen, with Kane Williamson and Tom Blundell the next biggest scorers on 30 apiece.

The tourists lost four wickets by tea before Ravindra’s 56-run stand with Blundell briefly revived hopes until the latter was bowled by Jayasuriya.

Jayasuriya also secured the key wicket of Williamson for 30, the former skipper lured out of his crease and stumped by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis.

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New Zealand opener Tom Latham was trapped lbw by Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva for 28, while Ramesh bowled Daryl Mitchell for eight.

Williamson, Latham and Mitchell had all made half-centuries in the first innings.

Ajaz Patel’s six-wicket haul helped restrict Sri Lanka to 309 in the morning.

His figures of 6-90 were the best by a New Zealand bowler in Sri Lanka since Daniel Vettori’s 6-64 in Colombo in 1998.

“It was all about controlling the ball and pitching it on the right areas,” Patel told reporters. “It is about sticking to the process and the pitch does the rest,” he added. “I like that challenge.”

The match had a rest day on Saturday due to Sri Lanka’s presidential elections and play resumed on Sunday morning without spectators.

Fans returned after lunch when the election curfew was lifted.

The hosts were 237-4 at the start of the day and added another 72 runs, with veteran Angelo Mathews making 50 before offering a simple catch to first slip off Patel’s bowling.

Dimuth Karunaratne top-scored for Sri Lanka with 83 before he was bowled by Patel on Friday.

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Rachin Ravindra’s half-century keeps New Zealand in hunt against Australia

WELLINGTON: Rachin Ravindra scored an unbeaten half-century for New Zealand while chasing a mammoth 369 on day three of the first Test against Australia here on Saturday.

Ravindra struck an eye-catching 56 not out as the home side reached 111-3 at stumps on day three, having stumbled early in their pursuit of a lofty 369 to win the opening match of the two-Test series.

Daryl Mitchell was on 12, with the pair having put on 52 in 20.3 overs together to give New Zealand a glimmer of hope in difficult batting conditions.

Lyon took 2-27 — aided by some brilliant catching from Steve Smith — to give him six wickets for the match.

Lyon shapes as a key figure in preventing New Zealand from scoring the remaining 258 runs they need on a Basin Reserve pitch taking turn and bounce.

New Zealand part-time spinner Glenn Phillips earlier capitalised on the conditions, snaring career-best figures of 5-45 as Australia were bundled out for 164 in their second innings.

Ravindra, who scored 240 in the first Test against South Africa last month, defied Australia late in the day with a series of aggressive strokes in his 94-ball knock.

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Mitchell was fortunate to survive an early stumping chance off Lyon, when the ball evaded the gloves of wicketkeeper Alex Carey, with the charging batsman well out of his ground.

Lyon was introduced in the sixth over of New Zealand’s innings and quickly removed opener Tom Latham before claiming the key wicket of Kane Williamson when Smith pouched a sharp catch at leg slip.

Smith’s second catch was even better, to remove Will Young for 15 off part-time spinner Travis Head, reacting quickly to a fine edge that went low and to his left.

Earlier, Australia lost their last six wickets in the space of 13 overs, with Phillips producing the best figures by any New Zealand spinner on home soil in 18 years, complementing his 71 with the bat in New Zealand’s first innings of 179.

Two wickets fell in the first session, with nightwatchman Lyon departing for Australia’s top score of 41 and opener Usman Khawaja for 28 after they resumed at 13-2.

First-innings centurion Cameron Green scored 34 and Travis Head 29 but the end of their 46-run partnership for the fifth wicket sparked a collapse.

Head miscued Phillips to be caught at long-on before the spinner removed Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey to close catchers and Henry bagged the last two wickets to finish with 3-36.

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Rachin Ravindra named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for October 2023

DUBAI: New Zealand’s batting prodigy Rachin Ravindra has shown immense batting prowess during the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023, which earned him the coveted ICC Player of the Month award for October 2023.

Ravindra faced tough competition from South African opening batter Quinton de Kock and Indian pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah for the prestigious award, however, he succeeded on the back of his tremendous performances in his maiden ICC World Cup campaign.

Ravindra kicked off his ICC World Cup 2023 with an unbeaten 123 against England, followed by a half-century against the Netherlands. He later scored another century in the month of October in the nail-biting thriller against Australia.

He scored a total of 406 runs from six outings at an average of 81.20 with the help of two centuries and two half-centuries during the month.

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Ravindra is currently the highest run-scorer in the ICC World Cup 2023, having accumulated 565 runs at a staggering average of 70.62 and has been a major factor in New Zealand’s campaign.

He expressed his gratitude for winning the ICC Player of the Month award.

“I’m very grateful to win this award,” Ravindra said from India.

“It’s been a special month personally and for the team. Being able to play a World Cup in India has been incredibly special,” he further added.

Ravindra also thanked his teammates for supporting him and allowing him to play his natural game.

“Being backed by the team helps a lot, being able to go out there with a lot of freedom, and play your natural game,” Ravindra added.

“The lucky thing is the wickets have been really nice to bat on, suits my game in terms of being positive and taking the game on.”

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