Lahore: New Zealand kicked off their campaign in the tri-series involving Pakistan and South Africa on a strong note on Saturday beating the host nation by 78 runs. However, their victory was spoiled with an injury as Rachin Ravindra got hit on his head while fielding in the deep. He suffered a forehead injury while attempting a catch.
The incident occurred in the 38th over when Pakistan’s Khushdil Shah’s powerful hit towards a deep backwards square leg went towards Rachin who was stationed near the ropes. While attempting to take a grab, Rachin misjudged the trajectory of the ball and was struck in the face. He needed medical attention immediately as he was visibly injured and bleeding. He was then rushed off the field by the New Zealand’s medical staff.
According to a statement from New Zealand Cricket, the Kiwi all-rounder initially passed the Head Injury Assessment (HIA). He will continue to be monitored by HIA protocols.
After the incident, cricket fans took on social media and blasted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the quality of floodlights at the Gadaffi stadium. Many have also called for Pakistan to improve the condition of the floodlights at the stadium.
“PCB should improve the Quality of light in the Ground. Rachin Ravindra misjudges the ball under bad lights and takes a brutal hit near the eye. Hope he recovers soon....।।।" said a fan on X (formerly Twitter).
PCB should improve the Quality of light in the Ground.
— Shakeel Md (@Shakeel7217) February 8, 2025
Rachin Ravindra misjudges the ball under bad lights and takes a brutal hit near the eye.
Hope he Recover soon....।।। pic.twitter.com/nXXuwHI1fg
How did @ICC allow Pakistan's ground to host international matches?? ICC should ensure players' safety and if Pakistan can't provide shift CHAMPIONS TROPHY to Dubai. Prayers for Rachin Ravindra," another fan commented.
🚫 That was a serious blow.
— ANKIT_06 (@Singhdhakad47) February 9, 2025
Get well soon champ.😰
- Due to bad light Rachin Ravindra misjudged the ball & he got badly injured & bleeding so much.💔..🥺 #PAKvNZ #RachinRavindra#RachinRavindra #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/GFovZX86Bd
Pakistan is worst place for cricket, they need to improve light quality of stadium.
— Cricket Flames 🔥 (@PartTimeFan18) February 8, 2025
Wishing for speedy recovery of rachin ravindra 🙏 🙏 #rachinravindra pic.twitter.com/s7aVNbEncR
Lahore ka Gaddafi stadium dekha ki nahi ? Light ke naam par street light laga diya 🤧😂 #champion #ChampionsTrophy2025 #ibes2025
— Imtiyaz (@Imtiyaz8744281) February 8, 2025
New Zealand defeated Pakistan in the fixture courtesy of a solid performance in all three departments. They posted a total of 330/6 on the scoreboard and bundled out the opposition on 252. Glen Phillips produced an impressive performance with a knock of unbeaten 106 runs while scalping one wicket. Daryl Mitchell also played a knock of 81 runs during his stay in the middle.
