Latham lauds Ravindra’s match-winning century in new batting role

(Forelines) – Rachin Ravindra remarkable his Champions Trophy debut with a century in New Zealand’s win over Bangladesh on Monday but it was the 25-year-old’s ability to handle the pressure while batting in an unknown position that impressed teammate Tom Latham, as per Reuters report.

Rachin Ravindra was rested for New Zealand’s opening victory over Pakistan following taking a blow to his forehead in a tri-series match in Lahore prior this month but returned in place of the unwell Daryl Mitchell in Rawalpindi.

Batting at number four for the first time in a one-day international with the Black Caps 15-2 inside four overs, Rachin Ravindra stepped the fine partnerships with Devon Conway and Tom Latham to help his team chase down 237 runs with 23 balls to spare, as per Reuters.

“A slightly different role to what he’s been used to,” Tom Latham stated of Rachin Ravindra’s place in the batting order, according to Reuters.

“The way he came in with us under a little bit of pressure, losing two early wickets … for him to absorb a little bit of pressure and then put the pressure back on them. He played fantastically well.

“It just shows the talent he’s got and the head on his shoulders to not play for a couple of weeks and then come out and play an innings like that. He was outstanding.”

It was Rachin Ravindra’s fourth ODI century and the Wellington batsman stated he was happy to be playing again having come through concussion protocols following being left bloodied by the blow to his head while fielding, reported by Reuters.

“Definitely a freak accident, things like that don’t really happen too often, I’m very grateful to have a great support crew around me,” Rachin Ravindra stated. “I’ve been able to come out of it reasonably well.

“It’s obviously been interesting dealing with the return to play protocols and stuff … it was cool to come back and really enjoy my cricket again after that weird moment,” as per Reuters report.

New Zealand, who have qualified for the semi-finals, will face India on Sunday to determine which team finishes top of Group A.