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New Zealand’s new batting sensation Rachin Ravindra slammed a boundary off Ravichandran Ashwin to get to his century in the first Test against India at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Day 3 (Friday, October 18). Ravindra took 124 balls to reach his second Test ton, his first against India.
The 24-year-old kept the scoreboard ticking as wickets fell at regular intervals at the other end. In the process, the southpaw became the first Kiwi batter to score a century at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after Ross Taylor in 2012.
Ravindra achieved the milestone in the 80th over of New Zealand’s first innings. Ashwin bowled down the leg stump and Ravindra went for a sweep shot that went all the way for a boundary. He celebrated the hundred with a big smile and by hugging Tim Southee. His parents were also present at the ground on the special occasion.
Watch the video below:
Notably, Rachin Ravindra converted his previous ton into a double century (240) against South Africa in February earlier this year.
“I’m a Kiwi” – What Rachin Ravindra said about his Indian heritage ahead of IND vs NZ 1st Test
Rachin Ravindra clarified that he is a New Zealand-born player when asked about his Indian heritage. Notably, Ravindra’s family has roots in Bengaluru.
Ravindra told the reporters (via NDTV):
“I'm born and brought up in Wellington, you know, I'm a Kiwi all the way through. So, for me it's amazing and I'm very proud of my Indian heritage and to be able to play where a lot of my family is based is something pretty special.”
Ravindra’s ton helped the visitors extend their first innings lead to 299 at Lunch on Day 3.
At the time of writing, the Kiwis were 345/7, with Ravindra (104 off 125) and Tim Southee (49 off 50) at the crease. Ravindra Jadeja has been the pick of the bowlers, returning with three wickets.
Batting first, India were skittled out for 46. Matt Henry starred with the ball, picking up a five-wicket haul, while William ORourke bagged four wickets.
New Zealand are searching for their first Test win against India since 1988.
Follow the IND vs NZ 1st Test live score and updates here.
