New Zealand’s emerging sensation Rachin Ravindra turned his first century into a remarkable double century as New Zealand set a formidable total of 511 runs on the scoreboard against South Africa on the second day of the first Test at Mount Maunganui.
Mount Maunganui: Once again, Rachin Ravindra, of Indian origin, has proven why he is being hailed as the next superstar of New Zealand cricket. The left-handed batsman showcased his talent on the second day of the first Test against South Africa at Mount Maunganui by scoring his first double century. Playing ahead of his score of 118* on the first day, Rachin Ravindra converted his maiden century into a double century in a splendid manner. In just his seventh Test innings, the spin all-rounder impressed everyone by smashing a double century, playing a record-breaking inning of 240 runs off 366 balls, supported by 26 boundaries and three sixes.
Big Innings and Big Records: Ravindra not only secured the record for the highest score in a Test double century by any New Zealand batsman but also surpassed Matthew Sinclair’s 214 runs. However, just minutes before tea, spinner Neil Brand dismissed him at 240 runs. Rachin Ravindra has now become the second New Zealand batsman to score a double century against South Africa. Former captain Stephen Fleming had achieved this feat in 2006 with 262 runs. Besides Ravindra, other batsmen who have scored double centuries against South Africa in Test matches in this century include Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene (374 and 237), India’s Virat Kohli (254*), and West Indies’ Brian Lara (202).
New Zealand set 511 runs: With Rachin Ravindra’s double century (240) and a powerful century from Ken Williamson (112), the New Zealand team collapsed for 511 runs in their first innings on the second day of the match. After smashing a historic double century on the first day, Ken Williamson, who returned unbeaten, added just six runs to his score and got out at 118 runs. With this, Rachin Ravindra and Ken Williamson formed a solid partnership of 232 runs for the third wicket. South Africa’s young bowlers did not allow any Kiwi batsman to stay at the crease after that. Rachin Ravindra partnered with Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, contributing 103 and 82 runs, respectively. Rachin Ravindra was the seventh batsman to be dismissed. Spinner Neil Brand took the most six wickets for South Africa.
