Rachin Ravindra Breaks 25 Years Old Record | © Tiwtter (@CricCrazyJohns)
New Zealand’s all-rounder Rachin Ravindra made history during the first Test against South Africa at Mount Maunganui. Breaking a 25-year-old record, Ravindra’s innings left cricket enthusiasts in awe as he registered the highest score by a maiden century-maker in the history of New Zealand Cricket.
Record-Breaking Innings
On the second day of the Test at Mount Maunganui, Rachin Ravindra scored his maiden century and set a new benchmark in New Zealand cricket history. With his remarkable innings of 240 runs off 366 balls, including 26 fours and three sixes, Securing a remarkable feat, Rachin Ravindra has now set a new record as the highest-scoring maiden century-maker in the country.
This accomplishment beats the old record set by Matthew Sinclair, who scored 214 runs against West Indies on his debut in 1999. Ravindra’s innings showcased his prowess, bringing up his century in style and rewriting the history books.
Leading up to the Test, Ravindra had played just six innings, scoring 73 runs at an average above 18. However, in four Tests and seven innings, he has now amassed 313 runs, elevating his average to an impressive 52.16. His previous best Test score of 18* has now transformed into a phenomenal 240.
At 24 years and 79 days, Ravindra becomes the second-youngest New Zealand batter to achieve a Test double century. Matthew Sinclair is the youngest Kiwi to achieve this feat at 24 years and 47 days.
Rachin Ravindra’s incredible form isn’t limited to Test cricket. He emerged as one of the standout performers in the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer with 578 runs in 10 matches at an astounding average of 106.44, Ravindra showcased his batting prowess on the global stage.
His stellar performances earned him the prestigious ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year Award for 2023, cementing his position as an emerging talent in international cricket.
Match Highlights
In the ongoing Test against South Africa, the Kiwis posted a formidable total of 511 runs in their first innings. Besides Ravindra’s heroics, Kane Williamson contributed with his 30th Test century, scoring 118 runs in 289 balls. Glenn Phillips (39) and Daryl Mitchell (34) also played crucial roles in guiding New Zealand to a commanding position.
South Africa’s uncapped skipper Neil Brand made an impactful Test debut, claiming 6/119 and emerging as the pick of the bowlers. As South Africa begins their first innings, they find themselves in a challenging position, having lost four wickets quickly.
Rachin Ravindra’s stellar innings and New Zealand’s strong performance set the stage for an intriguing Test match against South Africa. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the unfolding drama in this historic encounter.
