Rachin Ravindra celebrates Test comeback with maiden century: Stats
New Zealand's rising star Rachin Ravindra has brought up his maiden century in Test cricket. The left-handed batter touched the 100-run mark on Day 1 of the opening Test against South Africa in Mount Maunganui. Ravindra tackled the Proteas bowlers with precision and played several delightful shots. He recorded a double-century stand with fellow centurion Kane Williamson (112*). Here are further details.
An innings of authority from Ravindra
Put into bat, NZ lost both openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham cheaply as Ravindra arrived with the scorecard reading 39/2. He joined forces with Williamson as the duo tormented the visiting bowlers with their resilient knocks. Both batters scored centuries and recorded an unbeaten 219-run stand. Their brilliance meant NZ ended the day at 258/2. Ravindra returned unbeaten on 118 off 211 balls.
Hundred in fourth Test for Ravindra
Ravindra is playing his fourth Test and his first in over two years. He had just 73 Test runs under his belt prior to this game with 18* being his best score. Ravindra has now raced past 190 Test runs. Meanwhile, he has raced past 2,860 First-Class runs, averaging 38-plus (100s: 7, 50s: 12). He also owns 54 FC wickets with his left-arm spin.
Third NZ pair with a double-century stand against SA
As per ESPNcricinfo, Ravindra and Williamson became only the third NZ pair to record a double-century partnership against SA in Tests (for any wicket). They have joined Stephen Fleming-James Franklin (256 in Cape Town, 2006) and Chris Cairns-Jacob Oram (225 in Auckland, 2004). Meanwhile, Williamson has now been involved in 10 double-century stands in Test cricket.
Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2023
Last month, Ravindra was named the ICC Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2023. Ravindra, who made his ODI debut last year, set the ICC ODI World Cup on fire with his sensational knocks. He smashed a whopping 578 runs at the event at 64.22. The tally includes three tons. It was the highest tally for a New Zealand player at the tournament
