New Zealand clinched victory in the first Test against South Africa by 281 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. After winning the toss at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, the Proteas opted to field first. However, this decision backfired as Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson dominated the South African bowlers, forming a formidable partnership of 232 runs for the third wicket in the first innings.
Rachin Ravindra achieved a significant milestone by scoring his maiden Test century and went on to convert it into a double-century. Meanwhile, Kane Williamson contributed 118 runs in the first innings. Their efforts propelled New Zealand to a total of 511 runs in their first innings.
Ravindra's outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award for his remarkable innings against South Africa.
The 24-year-old sensation hammered 26 boundaries and three sixes during his remarkable innings of 240 runs. Following closely was Kane Williamson, who contributed 118 runs in the first innings and followed it up with 103 runs in the second innings, guiding New Zealand to a superb victory over South Africa.
When asked about sharing the Player of the Match award with skipper Williamson, the 24-year-old Ravindra responded with a witty remark. Williamson's first innings saw him score 118 runs off 289 balls, including 16 boundaries, while his second innings featured a blistering 109 off 132 balls, comprising 12 fours and a six. With 31 centuries in Test cricket, Williamson stands as the only New Zealand batter with over 30 centuries in the format.
I’m not giving that one: Rachin Ravindra
When asked if he would be willing to share his Player of the Match award with Williamson, Ravindra humorously responded, “Nah, not at all. He’s got 31 Test hundreds for my one so I’m not giving that one.” This marked Rachin Ravindra's first fifty-plus score in Test cricket, and he capitalised on it by converting it into a massive double-century.
Ravindra Performed Well In The ODI World Cup For New Zealand
Ravindra has proven to be a valuable asset to the New Zealand team, showcasing his talent during the ODI World Cup held in India in October and November 2023. His impressive performance saw him finish as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the tournament, accumulating 578 runs in 10 innings at an average of 64.22, including three centuries and two half-centuries. Following his outstanding display, he was selected by the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.
Furthermore, the rising star Ravindra was honoured with the ICC Emerging Player of the Year 2023 award for his remarkable contributions in the ODI World Cup. His international journey began with his T20 debut against Bangladesh in September 2021, followed by his red-ball debut against India at Green Park in Kanpur a couple of months later.
He debuted in ODIs in 2023 against Sri Lanka at Eden Park and subsequently made a significant impression with his batting during the ODI World Cup.
The second Test match between New Zealand and South Africa is scheduled to take place at Seddon Park in Hamilton, starting on February 13.
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