On the second day of the first Test against South Africa, the rising superstar of New Zealand cricket Rachin Ravindra etched his name into the annals of history by converting his first Test century into a magnificent double century. The achievement unfolded under the bright skies of Mount Maunganui, with Ravindra facing 340 deliveries to reach his 200*, adorned with 21 fours and a six. His innings was characterised by remarkable calm and a strategic partnership with Daryl Mitchell, who contributed a solid 75 runs, and later with Tom Blundell, offering steady support as Ravindra edged closer to the landmark score.
Despite Blundell's dismissal with Ravindra at 199* and on the non-striker's end, he remained unfazed. Glenn Phillips stepped in at a crucial juncture with the team's score at 391/5, amidst mounting pressure from the Proteas' bowlers attempting to curb the run flow. However, Ravindra's poise was unshaken, his every move cheered on by an engaged crowd, particularly during Dane Paterson's challenging overs that seemed to delay his progression when the batter was stuck at 199.
Rachin Ravindra becomes 4th New Zealand batter to convert maiden Test ton into double century
The moment of elation arrived as Ravindra nudged Neil Brand for a single, elevating him to the ranks of New Zealand cricket luminaries like Martin Donnelly, Mathew Sinclair, and Devon Conway - all of whom had previously transformed their maiden Test centuries into double tons.
The foundation of this monumental innings was laid on the match's first day when Ravindra, in tandem with Kane Williamson, propelled New Zealand to a dominant stance, both notching centuries. By the close of the second session on Day 2, Ravindra's overnight score of 118 had blossomed into a commanding double-century, bolstering New Zealand's position with a total surpassing 400 runs.
Ravindra's innings ultimately came to an end after the southpaw scored 240 runs with the help of 26 fours and three sixes.
Ravindra's double ton not only underscores his prodigious skill and promise, previously showcased during his record-setting spree in the ODI World Cup 2023 with 578 runs, but also marks a pivotal moment in his career. This innings, a harmonious mix of resilience and attack, saw him navigate South Africa's bowling assault with adeptness, ultimately clinching a well-deserved double-century and scripting a memorable chapter in his burgeoning cricket journey.
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