New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra Injured After Being Struck by Ball in Tri-Series Opener

LAHORE, Pakistan — New Zealand’s star all-rounder Rachin Ravindra was left bleeding after being struck on the forehead by a ball during Saturday’s tri-series ODI against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium. The incident occurred in the 37th over when Ravindra, fielding at deep square leg, attempted to catch a slog-swept ball hit by Pakistan’s Khushdil Shah off Michael Bracewell’s delivery. Ravindra appeared to lose sight of the ball in the floodlights and was unable to avoid it, resulting in a direct hit to his forehead.

A stunned silence fell over the stadium as Ravindra, dazed and bleeding, stared at the ground. Medical staff and Pakistan’s team doctor rushed to the field, and a stretcher was brought in, though Ravindra eventually walked off under his own power, holding a towel to his head. The crowd at the Gaddafi Stadium applauded as he exited the field.

A statement from New Zealand Cricket confirmed Ravindra sustained a forehead laceration but passed his initial Head Injury Assessment (HIA). He will continue to be monitored under the HIA process. Ravindra’s injury cast a shadow over New Zealand’s dominant 78-run victory, as the team posted 330/6, led by Glenn Phillips’ unbeaten 106 and Daryl Mitchell’s 81.

Pakistan’s chase was hindered by the loss of key players, including fast bowler Haris Rauf, who left the field after 6.2 overs with an apparent hip injury. Rauf had earlier dismissed New Zealand’s Tom Latham for a duck and was a key figure in Pakistan’s pace attack. His injury, potentially an ankle twist, raises concerns ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy in two weeks.

Pakistan’s batting struggled in response, with Fakhar Zaman’s 84 being the only notable contribution. New Zealand’s spinners, led by captain Mitchell Santner (3-41) and Michael Bracewell (2-41), dismantled Pakistan’s top order. Matt Henry added 3-55, while Phillips also contributed with a diving catch to dismiss Babar Azam early in the innings.

The match marked a strong start for New Zealand in the tri-series, while Pakistan’s reliance on its pace attack was exposed. With the Champions Trophy approaching, both teams will monitor the fitness of Ravindra and Rauf, whose injuries could impact their respective squads.