New Zealand’s young batter Rachin Ravindra creates history in ODI cricket. The Kiwi star scored a memorable century in the 6th match against Bangladesh at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during the ICC Champions Trophy.
Rachin Ravindra had missed New Zealand’s opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy against Pakistan due to injury. He had sustained the injury while fielding in the first match of the tri-series in Lahore.
However, he was included in New Zealand’s playing XI against Bangladesh as a replacement for Daryl Mitchell, who was ruled out due to illness. This marked Ravindra’s debut match in the Champions Trophy.
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Rachin Ravindra Creates History with Record-Breaking Debut Centuries
The 25-year-old came in to bat at number four while chasing Bangladesh’s target of 237 runs and played a brilliant innings of 112 runs. Additionally, Tom Latham contributed 55 runs off 76 balls, helping New Zealand secure an easy victory and qualify for the semi-finals.
After his century against Bangladesh, Rachin Ravindra achieved a unique milestone. The left-handed batter became the first player in history to score a century on debut in both the ODI World Cup and the Champions Trophy. Previously, he had scored a magnificent century against England in the 2023 World Cup held in India, which was also his World Cup debut match.
Rachin Ravindra: A Versatile Batter and All-Round Asset for New Zealand
Rachin Ravindra is a versatile batter who can play both in the top order and the middle order, depending on the team’s needs. Additionally, his left-arm finger spin is an added strength. Due to his all-round abilities, Ravindra first became a key player for New Zealand’s Under-19 team and has now secured a permanent spot in the senior squad.
Ravindra Shines in 2023 ODI World Cup as New Zealand’s Top Scorer
Ravindra gained global recognition during the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India, where he was New Zealand’s highest run-scorer and the fourth-highest overall in the tournament. He amassed 578 runs in ten innings at an average of 64.22 and a strike rate of 106.44.
From World Cup Glory to IPL Brilliance: Rachin Ravindra Shines for CSK
Following his outstanding performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) acquired Ravindra for INR 1.8 crore. His IPL debut was facilitated by the injury of his compatriot, Devon Conway.
In his very first IPL season in 2024, Rachin Ravindra made an explosive start, scoring 37 runs off just 15 balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
In the following match, he smashed 46 runs off 20 balls against Gujarat Titans. He finished the IPL season with 222 runs at an average of 22.20 and an impressive strike rate of 160.87
Ravindra Creates History as the Only Player with Debut Centuries
In cricket history, 19 players have scored a century on their World Cup debut, while 15 players have achieved the feat on their Champions Trophy debut. However, Rachin Ravindra creates history as he is the only player to have done it in both tournaments.
His century against Bangladesh was his fourth ODI century in just 30 innings, and all of his centuries have come in ICC events. In the 2023 World Cup, he had scored three centuries.
With this latest century, Rachin Ravindra has now become the New Zealand batter with the most centuries in ICC events, surpassing Kane Williamson and Nathan Astle, who had three centuries each.
