Rachin Ravindra misses out on his 2nd Test century: Stats
Albeit in a losing cause, Rachin Ravindra scored a resilient 92 in the fourth innings of the first Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Galle. He fought a lone battle for the Kiwis, who needed 275 to win. While he returned unbeaten on 91 at stumps on Day 4, he could only add one more run on Day 5 morning as SL were folded for 211.
Ravindra's knock keeps New Zealand alive
Ravindra arrived with the scorecard reading 51/2. However, the Lankan spinners posed a significant threat in the middle overs as wickets kept tumbling at the other end. The southpaw finially got a potent partnet in Tom Blundell, with whom he added 56 runs (fifth wicket). However, wickets again fell in a cluster after Blundell's departure. Ravindra held one end and carried NZ's hopes singlehandely. Prabath Jayasuriya eventually trapped him lbw.
Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2023
In January this year, 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 NZ player at the tournament.
Third Test fifty for Ravindra
Ravindra ended up scoring 92 off 168 balls, having smoked nine fours and a six. This was his third Test fifty as he also owns a century. Having played eight Tests, the southpaw has raced to 650 runs at 43.33. Meanwhile, he has completed 3,230 First-Class runs, averaging 40-plus (100s: 7, 50s: 15).
Summary of the match
Riding on Kamindu Mendis's century, SL posted 305/10 batting first as William O'Rourke claimed a fifer. NZ posted 340/10 in response thanks to fifties from Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, and Daryl Mitchell. Dimuth Karunaratne's 83 powered SL to 309/10 in their second outing. Ajaz Patel dismissed six batters. Chasing 275 for win, NZ fought well but eventually bundled out for 211.
