Rachin Ravindra suffered a heavy blow to the face from a ball during the first game of the Tri-Series in Pakistan and that frightened many as to whether he would be fit enough to make it on time for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. He stayed out of the entire Tri-Series and also missed the opening game at the showcase event against host Pakistan. But here he bounced back remarkably against Bangladesh and in the process broke a 27-year-old record held by none other than Sachin Tendulkar.
Ravindra scored a magnificent century of 112 runs in New Zealand’s successful chase of their target of 237 runs. This was his fourth century in ICC ODI events, World Cup and Champions Trophy by the time he turned 25. He became the youngest player ever to score the most centuries in ICC ODIs, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 27 years.
Tendulkar had scored three centuries in ICC ODI events at 25 years of age, and held that record for 25 years thereafter. But Ravindra took him only 11 innings in mega events to do so and thus crossed the master blaster. This Kiwi has scored 690 runs in 11 innings played in major tournaments, including the World Cup and Champions Trophy, with an average of 69 and a strike rate of 106.48. In comparison, by 25, Sachin had amassed 955 runs in 16 innings at an average of 68.21, with three centuries in his name.
As for the number of ODI centuries for New Zealand in ICC events, Ravindra now stands on top. Kane Williamson and Nathan Astle were sharing this record, both having scored three centuries, but at present, Ravindra has surpassed them with four centuries, having played only 11 innings. He is a mere 25 now and already a strong candidate to break this record for his country in decades to come.
