Rachin Ravindra. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
Rachin Ravindra made his return to Test cricket after a two-year hiatus during the first Test between New Zealand and South Africa at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
The talented youngster, who came of age during the ODI World Cup 2023, scored a magnificent century on Day 1, going past his previous best score of 18 not out from six innings. On Day 2, Ravindra continued from where he left off and added another 122 runs to his overnight score before eventually being dismissed for 240. He faced 366 deliveries for his knock and hit 26 fours and three sixes.
This turns out to be the highest score for any Test batter at the Bay Oval and also the highest maiden double-century score by a New Zealander. He got to his double-century score when he took a single off the bowling of Proteas captain Neil Brand. Ravindra joined just three other New Zealanders in history – Martin Donnelly, Mathew Sinclair and Devon Conway – to convert a maiden Test ton into a double ton.
On the back of Ravindra’s 240, New Zealand finished on a mammoth 511 in their first innings after batting 144 overs. Apart from Ravindra, Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson was also impressive with the bat. He scored a sedate 118 off 289, hitting 16 fours. Ravindra formed an epic 232-run partnership for the third wicket alongside Williamson. Apart from the veteran’s dismissal, the southpaw added 103 runs with Daryl Mitchell and 82 runs with Glenn Phillips.
Ravindra’s marathon innings finally came to an end when he was bowled by Brand. The 24-year-old would now be looking to contribute with the ball as well. He has three Test wickets to his name thus far. The hosts have three spin-bowling options – Mitchell Santner, Phillips, and Ravindra. The second-string South African side will have their tasks cut out after conceding a huge score in the first innings.
Here’s how ‘X’ users reacted to Rachin Ravindra’s double ton:
A classical innings from Rachin Ravindra comes to an end as he walks back to the pavilion after scoring 240 (366) against South Africa in first Test. pic.twitter.com/8XnekM5vWJ
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 5, 2024
What an incredible moment! After over 8 hours at the wicket, Rachin Ravindra has passed 200 runs – a historic double hundred #NZvsSA pic.twitter.com/ngO1IywPhQ
— Azam Sajjad (@AzamDON) February 5, 2024
DOUBLE HUNDRED FOR RACHIN RAVINDRA 🔥
Losing both openers quickly and then came Rachin Ravindra show, playing just his 4th Test & he smashed a brilliant double hundred against South Africa. pic.twitter.com/VyWXTKutsb
— Hassan Raza (@Hassan_raza125) February 5, 2024
Rachin Ravindra, A star in the making. 😍
240 Runs 366 Ball’s #Cricket #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/Qz3TgFNcCV— New Zealand Cricket (@MrFinn32) February 5, 2024
Rachin Ravindra’s maiden Double Hundred moment in Test cricket.🏏 🇳🇿🇿🇦
– The future star of world cricket.🔥🫡#RachinRavindra #NZvSA #NZvsSA #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/stQuarRKlv
— The Cricket TV (@thecrickettvX) February 5, 2024
240 (366) with 26 fours and 3 sixes – converted his maiden Test century into a giant score. Rachin Ravindra is a Superstar for New Zealand #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/S2TXiiPDeM
— Azam Sajjad (@AzamDON) February 5, 2024
Rachin Ravindra breaks a 24-year New Zealand record with a superb double century!
More 👉 https://t.co/ipc1NM4TGO#NZvSA | #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/Ccru93OrN9
— ICC (@ICC) February 5, 2024
240(366) from Rachin Ravindra. The poster boy of New zealand is here⭐️💛 pic.twitter.com/1l9yIsOjTl
— 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐨 (@SergioCSKK) February 5, 2024
3rd Feb – 22-Year Yashasvi Jaiswal scored Double Hundred in Tests.
4th Feb – 24-Year Shubman Gill scored Hundred in Tests.
5th Feb – 24-Year Rachin Ravindra scored Double Hundred in Tests.
– The future Superstars of World Cricket…!!!! ⭐#TestCricket #NZvsSA #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/T1HRp4TPel
— Mukesh Gill (@MukeshGill189) February 5, 2024
The future star of New Zealand cricket is Rachin Ravindra. He scored a double century in the 1st Test against South Africa, an extraordinary innings of 240 runs off 366 balls. Just nothing to say about the fire batsman he is!🔥#Rachinravindra #NZvsSA #Bayoval pic.twitter.com/KyId1WWIV8
— Sourav Roy (@souravroyon) February 5, 2024
Rachin Ravindra’s maiden Double 💯 moment in Test cricket🙌
The future ⭐ of world cricket#NZvsSA pic.twitter.com/tJ5fCMiLtP
— Pawan Kumar 🇮🇳 (@Prince11R) February 5, 2024
Rachin Ravindra’s maiden Double Hundred moment in Test cricket.
– The future star of world cricket. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/pNYnL4Y1Ep
— सैम KURRON (@sam_kurran_) February 5, 2024
DOUBLE HUNDRED FOR RACHIN RAVINDRA 🔥
Losing both openers quickly and then came Rachin Ravindra show, playing just his 4th Test & he smashed a brilliant double hundred against South Africa.
— Anash (@Anash33701826) February 5, 2024
Rachin Ravindra converted his maiden Test hundred into a double hundred
Ravindra is the the fourth Kiwi player to achieve the feat, he joins Martin Donnelly, Mathew Sinclair, and Devon Conway in elite list.
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) February 5, 2024
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