ODI World Cup 2023

‘He’ll be greatest player of New Zealand’- Fans react as Rachin Ravindra smashes 3rd century in debut World Cup

Nov 4, 2023 5:49 pm

Life has come a full circle for Rachin Ravindra’s family as the 23-year-old batter today smashed a magnificent ton against Pakistan in Bengaluru, his third of the tournament. Ravindra’s father hails from Bengaluru and even played club cricket in the city before relocating to New Zealand in 1997. 26 years later, his son has scored a century in the city, not least in a World Cup game.

Ravindra’s sensational effort helped his side post a massive total of 401 on the board after being put into bat by Babar Azam. Ravindra shared a 68-run stand with Devon Conway and then forged a 180-run alliance with skipper Kane Williamson who fell 5 runs short of his 14th century in the format. Ravindra’s knock comprised 15 boundaries and a solitary maximum as he went on to play some exquisite shots during his stay at the crease.

He broke several records during his innings. He became the first batter to have scored three hundreds during their maiden men’s ODI World Cup. Ravindra also became the first player to score three centuries for the Kiwis in the men’s ODI World Cups. His three hundred are also the most for any batter before turning 25 in the men’s ODI World Cup, surpassing the great Sachin Tendulkar’s two.

Rachin Ravindra’s run tally in ODI World Cup 2023 accounts for 523 runs

Overall, he has scored 523 runs in this tournament and sits in the second spot on the run-scoring charts. That his runs have come at an incredible strike rate of 107.39 only adds to the achievement. As mentioned earlier, today’s effort was his 3rd century of the World Cup with the other two coming against England and Australia. He has also played a role with the ball, containing the runs in some crucial phases.

Ravindra’s sublime returns have earned him appreciation from some of the stalwarts of the game with most of them believing that he is destined for greatness.

Here’s how X reacted to Ravindra’s brilliant innings against Pakistan: