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New Zealand is currently in Pakistan, playing the tri-nation series, involving the hosts Pakistan and South Africa. While the Black Caps came out good in the two matches, winning both, against Pakistan and South Africa by 78 runs and six wickets respectively, they will take on Pakistan once again in the final.
With the Mitchell Santner-led side taking on Pakistan in the summit clash of the ODI series, head coach Gary Stead shared a big update around all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, who sustained a massive blow on head in the opening match. Speaking on the eve of the tri-nation series final, Stead added that Rachin Ravindra is still a few more steps away from regaining complete fitness.
Few more steps for him to go through: Gary Stead on Rachin Ravindra
He also added that the Kiwi all-rounder underwent a brief net session, hitting a few balls, but there is still some time before he gets match ready. "Rachin obviously got that nasty blow in Lahore to the forehead. The pleasing thing is he's progressing well. So, we are following HIA protocols at the moment. He's had a headache for a few days, but that's subsiding, which is really good news. He hit a few balls tonight for the first time, which is good. But there's still a few more steps for him to go through before he will be considered fit for play," Stead said.
The 25-year-old sustained a freak injury in the 38th over of Pakistan innings in the first match of the tri-nation series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Positioned at deep square leg, he misjudged a sweep shot from Khushdil Shah and as a result was struck on the face. The Kiwi all-rounder quickly went down on the ground after getting the blow and was left profusely bleeding.
With him currently recovering, his participation in the opening match of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 also remains doubtful with New Zealand scheduled to take on hosts Pakistan at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday, February 19. Apart from Rachin Ravindra, the Kiwis are also vying for Lockie Ferguson to regain complete fitness after the pacer sustained a hamstring injury in ILT20.
New Zealand’s squad for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025
Mitchell Santner (capt), Will Young, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, Will O'Rourke
