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On Saturday, February 8, New Zealand kick-started the tri-nation series on a positive note, winning the opening match by 78 runs against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. While Glenn Phillips starred with his maiden ODI hundred, New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra also grabbed several eyeballs when he was hit on the head while attempting for a catch.
The incident unfolded in the 38th over of the Pakistan innings. With Khushdil Shah on strike, he played a slog sweep on the third ball of the 38th over, which was bowled by spinner Michael Bracewell. Rachin Ravindra, who was stationed at deep square leg, went for a catch but completely missed the sight. Before he could spot the ball, it hit the Kiwi all-rounder on his face, leading him to get on the ground.
Rachin Ravindra bleeds profusely after getting hit on head in tri-series clash vs PAK
As the ball hit him on his face, Rachin quickly went down on the field, bleeding in pain. The medical team along with the security was quick to rush to the field to check on the Kiwi all-rounder. With presumably an ice pack placed on his forehead, covered in towel, he left the field.
Watch video of Rachin Ravindra’s horric injury:
In a statement released by New Zealand Cricket, it informed, “Ravindra sustained a laceration to the forehead which has been addressed and treated at the ground, but is otherwise well. He came through his first HIA well and will continue to be monitored under HIA processes.”
Speaking of the match which was played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first. On the back of Glenn Phillips’ maiden ODI century (106* off 74 deliveries), they posted a mammoth total of 330 in the 50 overs. For the hosts, Shaheen Shah Afridi starred with the ball, picking three wickets, along with two wickets by Abrar Ahmed and a solitary wicket to Haris Rauf.
On the other hand, the Mohammad Rizwan-led side were bundled out at the score of 252 in 47.5 overs, courtesy a three-wicket haul from Matt Henry and skipper Mitchell Santner and two wickets from Michael Bracewell. For Pakistan, Fakhar Zaman was the only bright spot with the bat, scoring 84 off 69 deliveries along with crucial contributions from Salman Agha.
