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Bengaluru, India
New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra continued his love affair with scoring runs in India, this time against India, as he smashed a brilliant 134 off 157 balls in the first innings, helping the Kiwis take a massive 356-run-lead. After India got bundled out on 46 – their lowest team total at home and third-lowest overall in Tests, New Zealand amassed 402 in reply in the first Test in Bengaluru.
Day one didn’t see any play due to consistent rains and a wet outfield, but come day two, the New Zealanders were all over the hosts. India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and surprisingly elected to bat first on an overcast morning without knowing what was to follow.
Matt Henry (5) and rookie seamer William ORourke (4) picked nine wickets among each other to stun India inside two sessions on day two, while Tim Southee also returned with a wicket.
Meanwhile, in New Zealand’s first innings, the openers began cautiously, with Devon Conway hitting a brilliant 91. The Kiwis ended day two with a 134-run lead with seven wickets remaining and Ravindra at the crease.
The next morning (day three), the Indians picked up four wickets for 53 runs to put New Zealand’s back against the wall. That, however, brought Southee and Ravindra to the spotlight, who dominated the hosts for the next couple of hours. While Rachin stood his ground and continued smashing boundaries on even good deliveries, Southee opened his arms soon after.
The veteran Kiwi bowler completed his fifty, hitting 65 off 73 balls, including four sixes and five fours.
The pair added 137 for the eighth wicket – the second-highest partnership for this wicket against India in India.
Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav picked up their wickets to end New Zealand’s innings on 402, with the visitors leading by 356 runs.
Here is how the internet reacted -
Very few knocks by visiting batters have disdain for bowlers in India. Especially a full strength spin bowling line up. This Rachin Ravindra knock is right up there amongst the best and the classiest there have been. Decorated with wow shots - He’s a special player #IndvNZ
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) October 18, 2024
What a wonderful young talent this #RachinRavindra is. When the going was tough this morning he showed his class in defence and then attacked with gusto and skill to take the game away from India
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 18, 2024
Just a year ago, Rachin Ravindra was making heads turn with his performances in the ODI World Cup. And today, he is doing the same in red-ball cricket with this century. Got very close to what should have been a match winning century against Sri Lanka last month, but this one…
— TheRandomCricketPhotosGuy (@RandomCricketP1) October 18, 2024
Rachin Ravindra ensured this Test would be unforgettable in Bengaluru, where his family roots run deep...
With cherished memories of playing here; it's poetic for him to score a century, blending his Indian heritage with his cricketing journey on such a special stage... pic.twitter.com/Nzl1e4UHcg
— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek) October 18, 2024
Rachin Ravindra's spin play is gorgeous. Not just great use of the feet and the crease, but also great use of the hands as well - if he doesn't get to the pitch of the ball, he'll wait and let the ball come right under his eyes then manage it with elite hands to flay it through.
— Bishontherockz (@BishOnTheRockx) October 18, 2024
India has resumed batting in the second innings.