Rachin Ravindra made a remarkable return to the field after suffering an unusual facial injury, delivering a match winning century against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. His outstanding performance not only secured New Zealand’s place in the semi-finals but also confirmed India’s spot in the knockout stage. This latest feat continues his impressive record in ICC events, following a dream debut in the 2023 World Cup in India.
Ravindra’s heroic comeback
New Zealand’s second match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against Bangladesh on Monday (February 24) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium saw Ravindra script history with a superb hundred on his return. The 25 year old had been sidelined for three games, including the tournament opener against Pakistan, after suffering an injury while fielding during the tri-series in Lahore.
Stepping in for Daryl Mitchell, who missed out due to illness, Ravindra was brought into the playing XI. He walked in to bat at number four after New Zealand found themselves in trouble, losing Will Young and Kane Williamson for single-digit scores.
Steadying the chase
Ravindra played a crucial role in reviving the run chase, building a solid 57 run partnership with Devon Conway for the third wicket. Later, he and Tom Latham stitched together a match defining 129 run stand for the fourth wicket, steering the Black Caps towards a comfortable victory.
He eventually fell after a superb knock of 112 off 105 balls, while Latham contributed with a 76-ball 55, setting the stage for an easy finish. This win ensured New Zealand’s progression to the semi-finals alongside India.
A historic feat
Ravindra’s century etched his name in cricket history, making him the first player ever to score a hundred on debut in both the Cricket World Cup and the Champions Trophy. He had earlier announced himself on the global stage with a century against England in the opening match of the 2023 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
This was his fourth ODI century in just 30 innings, with all of them coming in ICC events. During the 2023 World Cup, he had already smashed centuries against Australia in Dharamshala and Pakistan in Bengaluru, proving his big match temperament.
Ravindra now holds the record for the most centuries by a New Zealand player in ICC tournaments, surpassing Kane Williamson and Nathan Astle, who had three each. He is also the second-fastest to four ICC event centuries, just behind India’s Shikhar Dhawan. In another incredible milestone, he has broken Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most centuries in global events before turning 25.
His outstanding performance in the 2023 World Cup saw him amass 578 runs in 10 innings, the most by a debutant in the tournament’s history. With his latest century, Ravindra continues to make a name for himself as one of the brightest talents in international cricket.
