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New Zealand’s opening match of the tri-series against Pakistan at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium was overshadowed by a frightening incident involving Rachin Ravindra, who sustained a severe facial injury while fielding.
Rachin misjudged a catch under the floodlights, resulting in a powerful blow to his forehead, leaving him bleeding and in visible pain. The moment sent shockwaves through the stadium as medical staff rushed to his aid before he was escorted off the field. Despite this setback, the Blackcaps delivered a commanding performance, securing a 78-run victory over Pakistan with an impressive all-round display. The match saw Glenn Phillips’ explosive century and clinical spells from Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry, helping New Zealand dominate both departments.
Rachin Ravindra’s injury shocks the stadium
The dramatic moment unfolded in the 38th over of Pakistan’s chase when Khushdil Shah attempted a slog sweep off Michael Bracewell. Positioned at deep square leg, Ravindra tracked the ball but lost sight of it under the lights, leading to a nasty impact as the ball struck him flush on the forehead. The blow left him dazed, motionless for a few seconds, and bleeding profusely. The New Zealand medical staff immediately rushed onto the field, applying an ice pack to control the bleeding, while a concerned Kane Williamson checked on his teammate. The incident momentarily silenced the crowd and halted play for several minutes. With his face covered in a towel to stem the bleeding, Ravindra was escorted off the field, leaving his availability for the next matches uncertain.
Here’s the video:
A tough moment on the field for Rachin Ravindra as an attempted catch turned into an unfortunate injury. 🤕
Get well soon, Rachin! pic.twitter.com/34dB108tpF
— FanCode (@FanCode) February 8, 2025
Also READ: Glenn Phillips’ maiden ton propels New Zealand to commanding win over Pakistan in the 1st game of ODI Tri-Series 2025
New Zealand’s batting dominance led by Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell
Opting to bat first, New Zealand piled up a massive 330/6, thanks to a blend of aggressive and composed batting. Glenn Phillips stole the show with a blistering 106 off 74 balls not out, displaying incredible power and timing, particularly against spin. Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings with a well-paced 81 off 84 balls, ensuring stability in the middle order. Kane Williamson, making his return to international cricket, played a crucial 58-run knock off 89 balls, expertly handling the turning conditions. Contributions from Mark Chapman (34 off 27) and Tom Latham (29 off 25) added the finishing touches, taking New Zealand past the 300-run mark. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Shaheen Afridi (2/67) and Shadab Khan (1/53) being the only notable performers with the ball.
New Zealand bowlers crush Pakistan’s chase
Chasing a daunting 331, Pakistan started strong with Fakhar Zaman’s explosive 84 off 69 balls, but wickets at crucial junctures derailed their innings. Mitchell Santner (3/41) and Matt Henry (3/53) kept the pressure on, removing key batters at regular intervals. Bracewell chipped in with 2/41 in his 10 overs, troubling the middle order with sharp turn and bounce. Pakistan collapsed from 175/3 to 252 all out in 47.5 overs, failing to build partnerships. Babar Azam (42 off 55) and Mohammad Rizwan (38 off 49) tried to stabilize the innings, but their dismissals ended Pakistan’s hopes. The Blackcaps’ superior bowling attack ensured a comprehensive victory, giving them a perfect start to the tri-series despite the unfortunate injury to Ravindra.
New Zealand cricket provides injury update on Rachin Ravindra
Following the alarming incident during the tri-series opener against Pakistan, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has confirmed that Rachin Ravindra is “well” but will remain under medical observation before the team’s next game against South Africa on Monday.
In an official statement, NZC detailed that Ravindra suffered a laceration on his forehead while attempting a catch in the 38th over of Pakistan’s innings. “He sustained a laceration to the forehead which has been addressed and treated at the ground, but is otherwise well,” the statement read. The team further assured that Ravindra successfully cleared his first Head Injury Assessment (HIA) but will continue to be monitored under concussion protocols to ensure his recovery,” His availability for the next match remains uncertain, depending on further medical evaluations.
