NZ vs NED: Devon Conway And Rachin Ravindra Join Elite List With Centuries Against England On World Cup Debut

New Zealand got off to an incredible start in the ICC World Cup 2023 with a comfortable victory against England in their opening match in Ahmedabad. New Zealand batters Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra etched their names in the history with brilliant centuries.

The Black Caps restricted the opposition to 282 runs after winning the toss at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday, October 5. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra helped the team successfully chase down the target by nine wickets with 13.4 overs to spare.

Devon Conway And Rachin Ravindra Join Elite List

Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra joined the elite list of batters who have recorded centuries on their World Cup debuts. Conway scored 152 runs, including 19 fours and three sixes. Ravindra, who replaced Kane Williamson, made the most of the opportunity.

The spin-bowling all-rounder came to the crease at No. 3 in the second over during the run chase. He smashed an unbeaten 123 runs off 96 deliveries with the help of 11 boundaries and five sixes. He stitched an unbeaten 273-run partnership with the opening batter.

Rachin Ravindra, despite his outstanding batting display, encountered difficulties with the ball. He conceded 76 runs in his allocated 10 overs. The left-arm spinner did manage to dismiss young batter Harry Brook during his bowling spell in the tournament opener.

A Hundred Is Always Special – Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra expressed delight at scoring a century in India, given his Indian roots and family connections in Bangalore. He named Brial Lara, Kumar Sangakkara, and Sachin Tendulkar as his cricketing inspirations.

“I guess being lefty, there’s guys you look at, I love Lara, I love Sangakkara, just the usual gun left-handers, but Tendulkar was definitely the idol,” he said.

“A hundred is always special, but I guess in terms of being able to perform in India is pretty cool. So, it’s cool to have that moment and obviously it’s always nice coming to India I have a sense of family connection whenever I’m in Bangalore and being able to see my grandparents and stuff so yeah, it’s pretty cool,” he added.

Also read: ENG vs NZ: Rachin Ravindra Talks About Story Behind His Name; Says Virat Kohli And Kane Williamson Are His Favorite Cricketers