Cricket News

‘It’s a real ‘pinch-me’ moment’- New Zealand’s latest star open up on his maiden Test century alongside Kane Williamson against South Africa

Rachin Ravindra who took the cricketing world by storm in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India with his scintillating batting and clean hitting is now proving his mettle in the longest format of the game too against an experienced South African side at his home turf.

New Zealand are up against an overhauled South African side who are deprived of their key players as they are participating in the ongoing SA20 league. The two-match test series is part of the World Test Championship (WTC) Cycle but given the time we are living in and the growing dominance of league cricket over international is a harsh reality that people are witnessing in modern times.

The South African team led by Neil Brand won the toss and contrary to public opinion chose to bowl first at the Bay Oval Ground in Mount Maunganui. It looked like the South African bowlers were proving their captain right as they dismissed both the openers Tom Latham and Devin Conway cheaply for just 39 runs.

But Ravindra and Kane Williamson had other plans as they steadied the Kiwi ship with a massive 219-run partnership between both of them and took New Zealand to a commanding position of 259 for 2 at the end of Day’s play.

Rachin Ravindra was all praises for Kane Williamson

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson scored his 30th international century with a classy innings of 112 runs in 259 balls including 15 boundaries. On the other hand, young Rachin Ravindra who is just playing his 4th test match scored his maiden test century and what made it even special was that it came alongside Kane Williamson whom he sees as his idol and has been admiring his batting since childhood.

Speaking on the surreal experience of batting alongside the Kiwi legend during his 1st test century, Rachin Ravindra said, “Playing alongside Kane is always very special,” he said. “Sharing the crease with someone I idolize so much, life has come full circle for me. It’s a real ‘pinch-me’ moment. Seeing him go about his business as usual, with his calmness and timing, and the positions he gets himself into, it was pure batting bliss. As a lover of New Zealand cricket, seeing him still score Test hundreds is unbelievable.

He further added, “You saw it at the World Cup as well. It shows the pure resilience of the man, coming out of all those injuries and setbacks as an even better cricketer. You can see it in his character, work ethic, and the way he gives back to the team. Many guys who’ve played 15 years of international cricket, might not have come back like Kane did. He’s unbelievable, just a model personality to have around.”