New Zealand star batter Rachin Ravindra coped with a nasty blow while taking a catch off Michael Bracewell in the first match of the tri-nation series against Pakistan on Saturday at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
The incident happened in the 37th over of the match when Pakistan’s batter Khushdil Shah slog-swept Michael Bracewell to the deep square leg.
Ravindra positioned himself to take a catch, however, he lost sight of the ball in the floodlights, and it struck him in the forehead. As medical personnel hurried onto the pitch, he was observed looking at the ground, seemingly dazed with blood streaming down his face.
Following the all-rounder’s injury, the crowd fell silent in shock. Rachin Ravindra lay on the ground for a few minutes while receiving first aid, but with the help of the medical team, he got up and left the pitch with a towel to his head to cheers from the crowd at Gaddafi Stadium, which had just been full of energy.
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The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has provided details of the star batter’s injury while assuring that he is in good health.
The board further said that he has passed his initial Head Injury Assessment and he would remain under further observation.
”He came through his first HIA (Head Injury Assessment) well and will continue to be monitored under HIA processes,” NZC said in a statement.
It is noteworthy that the latest incident has added to New Zealand’s already injury concerns as lead pacer Lockie Fergusons suffered a hamstring injury during the International league T20 (ILT20) in the UAE.
Pertinent to note here that New Zealand achieved a convincing victory against Pakistan by 78 runs in the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Batting first, Glenn Phillips scored a fiery unbeaten ton after Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell’s fifties to power New Zealand to 330 over the loss of six wickets.
Chasing 331, Pakistan were bowled out for 252 in 47.5 overs at Gaddafi Stadium.
READ: New Zealand Cricket provides update on Rachin Ravindra’s injury