New Zealand cruised to a 78-run win in the tri-series opener at Gadaffi Stadium to kick off their Champions Trophy preparations with aplomb. A maiden ODI ton from Glenn Phillips, coming off just 72 balls, after a steady half-century from Kane Williamson and a nearly run-a-ball 81 from Daryll Mitchell took the visitors to a mammoth total of 330/6 having opted to bat first. In response, Fakhar Zaman led the hosts’ chasing efforts with a rapid 69-ball 84 featuring seven boundaries and three maximums but barely found any company at the other end and once Tayyab Tahir departed in the 34th over the match was practically over. However, as Rachin Ravindra would attest, it is thereafter that the defining incident of the encounter took place much to everyone’s horror.
Khushdil Shah, looking to strike some lusty blows in a last ditch effort to keep Pakistan alive, caught hold of a slog sweep of Michael Bracewell in the 38th over to send the ball sailing towards the midwicket fence. The shot lacked power and Rachin settled himself in position comfortably anticpating a simple grab. However, the trajectory of the shot meant the Kookaburra was perfectly aligned with the floodlights behind and the Kiwi completely lost track of the ball such that he hardly flinched until it struck him straight in the head, sending Rachin crashing on the deck. Instinctively, the youngster immediately tried to get back to his feet but stopped midway and slowly sat back on the grass while keeping his eyes fixated on the ground as if in a daze, blood dripping down his face.
The medical staff rushed to the field with ice packs and a stretched was arranged for but thankfully, Rachin was able to eventually walk off on his own and is reported to be fine despite a severe laceration. Twitterati was quick to send the New Zealander their best wishes.
Get well soon Rachin Ravindra
Hope he is okay!
Get well soon Rachin Ravindra pic.twitter.com/IvPfqfrHyZ
— 𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐤𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐡 (@life_0605) February 9, 2025
This is unbelievable🤯🤯.
I hope Rachin Ravindra is good now. 🙏
This is really serious ☹️☹️🤨— पुष्पाRaj (@puspraj_v) February 9, 2025
scary and unfair!
#Cricket
New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra suffered a horrific head injury during the tri-series opener against Pakistan in Lahore on Saturday
Fans were quick to complain about the “poor condition” of the floodlights https://t.co/nCCZQSSMd7— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) February 9, 2025
Hope he ia ok!
New Zealand provides update on Rachin Ravindra’s injury https://t.co/skDZGqlOYk
— Akhbarpoint (@akhbarpoint) February 9, 2025
Pak vs NZ: Rachin Ravindra’s Forehead Injury Sparks Outrage Over Gaddafi Stadium’s Poor Lighting: Video #RachinRavindra #Gaddafistadium #PAKvNZ https://t.co/ShLCPOGvNp
— Munsif News 24×7 (@MunsifNews24x7) February 9, 2025
Is this light condition safe for the players?
Gaddaffi Stadium Flood Lights Are A Disaster!!!!
Thank God India Isn’t Going To Pakistan To Play Champions Trophy 🙏🏻
Hope Rachin Ravindra Recovers Soon. pic.twitter.com/Q5SzzUkau4— Dr Khushboo 🇮🇳 (@khushbookadri) February 8, 2025
Hope for good news!
🚨 Official – Update on Rachin Ravindra.
– Rachin Ravindra sustained a laceration to the forehead after being struck by the ball.
– He passed the initial head injury assessment. The laceration, which required stitches was addressed and treated at the ground.
– He is otherwise… pic.twitter.com/ezSPGw2VQz— 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞 (@CallMeSheri1) February 9, 2025
just got to know that Rachin Ravindra is injured ..I hope it’s not a serious injury ..wishing him a speedy recovery 🙁
— saks🌷 (@sakshiiiihere) February 9, 2025
Recovery soon!
Damm hope that rachin Ravindra is fine now
That ball hit him bad, look at the expression of the Pakistani fans they feel so bad for him#PAKvsNZ— Sanil (@snooker_san) February 9, 2025
Bad Luck!
Damm hope that rachin Ravindra is fine now
That ball hit him bad, look at the expression of the Pakistani fans they feel so bad for him#PAKvsNZ— Sanil (@snooker_san) February 9, 2025
