Rachin Ravindra gets his maiden double hundred in 1st Test against South Africa.
Rachin Ravindra showcased his prowess with the bat by scoring his maiden double century in the ongoing first Test match between New Zealand and South Africa. The left-handed batsman achieved this remarkable milestone during his fourth Test appearance, demonstrating his growing stature in international cricket. Ravindra’s monumental innings unfolded during the first innings of the match, where he displayed tremendous resilience and skill against the opposition bowlers.
Facing a total of 340 deliveries, Ravindra exhibited remarkable shot-making, accumulating 22 boundaries (fours) and one maximum (six) to reach the coveted double hundred mark. His innings not only underscored his individual brilliance but also contributed significantly to his team’s total.
Here is the moment when Rachin Ravindra reached 200.
Earlier in the match, Ruan de Swardt claimed his maiden Test wicket by dismissing the formidable Kane Williamson, the New Zealand captain, who had been anchoring a substantial third-wicket partnership alongside Ravindra. De Swardt’s breakthrough came in the early hours of the second day’s play, disrupting the resilient alliance between Williamson and Ravindra, which had amassed 232 runs.
Williamson, who had been dropped on the previous day while batting at 70, couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity as he was eventually caught by Tshepo Moreki off a delivery from de Swardt, departing for a well-compiled 118 runs. This dismissal marked the end of a commendable partnership between Williamson and Ravindra, both of whom had notched up centuries on the opening day of the Test match.
Ravindra’s innings continued to flourish as he carried his overnight score of 118 to an impressive 209, etching his name among the elite group of New Zealand cricketers whose first Test century surpassed the 150-run mark. With Glenn Phillips providing valuable support at the crease, New Zealand reached a commanding total of 411/5.
As play resumed on the second day, South Africa recognized the importance of the new ball in their quest to dismantle the Williamson-Ravindra partnership. De Swardt, having been the most economical bowler for South Africa on the previous day, was entrusted with the new ball. Despite adopting relatively defensive field placements, South Africa aimed to capitalize on the early breakthrough to prevent New Zealand from seizing control of the match.
Although Williamson initially appeared unsettled, he managed to add only six runs to his overnight score before falling victim to de Swardt’s bowling. Ravindra, meanwhile, showcased resilience against the probing deliveries, although he exhibited vulnerability against deliveries angling across him from the right-arm bowlers.
While New Zealand’s scoring rate was relatively slow during the morning session, adding just 72 runs from 28 overs, Ravindra’s steadfast presence at the crease ensured that the hosts maintained a steady momentum in their innings.