Malik Waqar
New Zealand’s star all-rounder Rachin Ravindra was left bleeding after a ball struck him on the head during Saturday’s tri-series ODI against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
During the 37th over of the match, Rachin Ravindra, fielding at deep square leg, positioned himself to catch a ball that was slog-swept by Khushdil Shah off Michael Bracewell’s delivery. However, Ravindra appeared to lose sight of the ball in the floodlights and, unable to take evasive action, the ball struck him squarely on the forehead.
A stunned silence fell over the stadium as Ravindra was seen staring at the ground in a daze while blood streamed down his face. Medical staff rushed to the field immediately, and a stretcher was brought on, though it was ultimately not required.
The Pakistan team doctor, positioned closest to the incident, also joined the medical team to provide first-aid.
After a few minutes of treatment on the ground, Ravindra, with assistance, managed to get up and walked off the field holding a towel to his head, receiving warm applause from the crowd at the Gaddafi Stadium.
A New Zealand Cricket statement lat
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er confirmed the injury: “Ravindra was forced from the field after being struck in the forehead by the ball while attempting a catch in the 38th over. He sustained a laceration to the forehead, which has been treated at the ground.
Ravindra came through his first Head Injury Assessment (HIA) well and will continue to be monitored under the HIA process.”
Earlier, Pakistan also faced a setback when fast bowler Haris Rauf was forced to leave the field after bowling 6.2 overs.
Rauf appeared uncomfortable and was seen touching his hip before walking off the field. While reports suggest he may have twisted his ankle, the exact nature of the injury remains unclear.
With the ICC Champions Trophy just two weeks away, there is concern over the severity of Rauf’s injury. He had made a strong start, dismissing Tom Latham for a duck and conceding just 23 runs before departing.
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Pakistan is highly dependent on its pace attack, featuring Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, due to a lack of quality spinners. Losing Rauf could be a significant blow ahead of the Champions Trophy.
New Zealand went on to secure a dominant 78-run victory in the first ODI, posting a formidable total of 330/6. Glenn Phillips was the standout performer, finishing unbeaten on 106, while Daryl Mitchell contributed 81.
Pakistan, chasing the target, was bowled out for 252, with Fakhar Zaman’s 84 being the only notable contribution from the batting lineup.
