New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra on Monday added another feather to his cap, scoring his maiden double hundred in Test cricket. Batting against South Africa in Mount Maunganui, the 24-year-old reached the milestone on the second day of the 2-match series opener to help New Zealand cross the 400-run mark in the first innings.
Ravindra worked a single to point off Proteas captain Neil Brand midway through the second session at Mount Maunganui to reach the milestone.
What an incredible moment! After over 8 hours at the wicket, Rachin Ravindra has passed 200 runs – a historic double hundred @BLACKCAPS v South Africa: 1st Test | LIVE on DUKE and TVNZ+ pic.twitter.com/00Xlbjoirl— TVNZ+ (@TVNZ) February 5, 2024
Interestingly, Ravindra’s previous highest score in the longest format was 18 which he scored twice, both against India in the 2021 tour. Former West Indies cricketer-turned-commentator Ian Bishop heaped massive praise on the youngster for playing a commendable knock.
“The young man playing in his 7th test innings, moved from a previous highest test score of 18 to 200+. Rachin Ravindra fill your boots,” Bishop posted on X.
The young man playing in his 7th test innings, moved from a previous highest test score of 18 to 200+. Rachin Ravindra fill your boots.— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) February 5, 2024
The double century enhances Ravindra’s reputation after gaining international attention in last year’s ICC Cricket World Cup in India, where he scored centuries against England, Australia and Pakistan. With 578 runs in 10 matches, he finished as the 4th-highest run-getter in the tournament after Virat Kohli (765 runs), Rohit Sharma (597 runs) and Quinton de Kock (594).
Ravindra, who’s playing just the 4th Test of his career, showcased a promising performance with the bat after the hosts lost both openers on Day 1. He joined captain Kane Williamson in the middle to punish a second-string South Africa with an unbeaten 219-run stand, guiding the home side to 258-2 at stumps.
“The way I bat is natural, if it’s there I’ll hit it, but on that surface, I had to be a lot more selective. Kane provided me with the perfect template of how to do it. Being able to learn from him throughout the partnership was great,” Ravindra said.
After notching up hundreds on the opening day, the duo returned on Monday but could add 13 more runs before the New Zealand lost his wicket to seamer Ruan de Swardt. The 232-run partnership for the 3rd wicket is now the second-highest for New Zealand against the Proteas.
(With Agency Inputs)
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