Rachin Ravindra Enters Cricket History-First-ever Cricketer to Have Centuries in ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy Debut

New Zealand's latest cricket sensation, Rachin Ravindra, has entered the history of cricket with a record which no cricketer has ever obtained before him. His century against Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy has included him in the list of best New Zealand batters. By achieving this remarkable feat, Ravindra also joined the elite group of players to have scored a century on their ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy debuts, a feat that speaks volumes about his phenomenal consistency on the biggest platforms of international cricket.

A Historic Century in the Champions Trophy

Rachin Ravindra returned to New Zealand's XI after sitting out the last game against Pakistan due to injury. Rising above such adversity, however, the left-hander asserted his class and determination by going on to compile an innings for Bangladesh that everyone would never forget. His 105-ball century of 112, with 12 fours and a mighty six, outlined his strength of resisting fort and fast-scoring in a crisis situation.

This was a make-or-break encounter for New Zealand as it decided their position in Group A. Chasing the 237 of Bangladesh, the Blackcaps were in trouble at 72/3. But Ravindra's mature brilliance and game-changing 129-run stand with Tom Latham put his team back on track. His selection of shots and even temperament continued to keep the runs flowing, always keeping Bangladesh's bowlers on the backfoot.

Breaking Records and Beating Legends

With his new century, Rachin Ravindra did not merely put another feather in his cap—he rewrote history. He now stood on the top rung as the record for the most centuries in ICC ODI tournaments by a New Zealand cricketer, taking over from greats Kane Williamson and Nathan Astle, who had already reached three centuries each in such tournaments. His four centuries in ICC ODI tournaments are a testament to his great talent and versatility on the biggest stage.

Ravindra had already left the cricketing fraternity stunned by his brilliant performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup, registering three centuries in Indian conditions. His most recent century against Bangladesh once again entrenched him as a cricketer who performs in times of crisis and delivers at the most fittest moment.

A Pivotal Knock That Sealed Bangladesh's Destiny

Bangladesh, struggling hard to maintain their hopes in the tournament, were on the receiving end of Ravindra's master class. His century not only knocked Bangladesh out of the tournament but also caused a massive setback to defending champions Pakistan, eliminating them from the tournament in the group stage as well.

Even when Ravindra and Latham, shortly thereafter, were dismissed, leaving Bangladesh with a ray of hope, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips didn't lose heart to ensure that New Zealand dispatched the chase by five wickets with two overs to spare. This thumping innings displayed the depth and sheer depth of the Blackcaps batting lineup with Ravindra as the mastermind leading the operation as the chase maestro.

A Star in the Making

Only 24 years of age, Rachin Ravindra has already proven himself to be a bankable player of the New Zealand team. His capacity to perform in pressure games, particularly in subcontinent conditions, makes him perhaps the most thrilling young cricketer on the world cricket's stage today. The fact that he has been able to score massive runs in ICC tournaments speaks volumes about his temperament, technical skill, and grit.

Ravindra's century in the Champions Trophy followed what he had already shown of his mettle in the 2023 ODI World Cup. His phenomenal contributions in India last year, including match-winning centuries, established him as one of the most emerging stars of the game. Now, through this latest achievement, he has become one of the players who will be worth watching among international cricket icons.

Looking Ahead-New Zealand's Road to Glory

Having earned this pivotal win over Bangladesh, New Zealand will now look to celebrate its last Group A fixture against India on March 2 in Dubai. It will be a test affair for the Blackcaps as they prepare to work on their scheme of things heading into the semi-finals. Rachin Ravindra will, without doubt, be the region of focus for New Zealand in trying to seal its first ICC Champions Trophy victory.

His game till now has been nothing short of spectacular, and considering his career so far in ICC tournaments, he is bound to perform even better. Cricket fans all over the world will be watching with bated breath as this rising batting magician keeps creating history, century after century.