New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra sustained a serious injury during the team’s opening match of the ODI Tri-Nation Series against Pakistan at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
The incident occurred in the 38th over when Khushdil Shah, facing Michael Bracewell, executed a powerful slog-sweep. Positioned at deep square leg, Ravindra attempted to catch the ball but seemingly lost sight of it.
Before he could react, the ball struck him directly on the forehead, causing him to collapse on the ground.
In the immediate aftermath, Ravindra appeared dazed, looking at the ground beneath him as blood trickled down his face. Medical staff promptly attended to him as he pressed a towel against the wound to stem the bleeding. He was escorted off the field for further treatment.
The New Zealand Cricket Board later issued an update on his condition. "Ravindra was forced from the field after being struck in the forehead by the ball attempting a catch in the 38th over,” a statement read.
“He sustained a laceration to the forehead which has been addressed and treated at the ground, but is otherwise well. He came through his first HIA (Head Injury Assessment) well and will continue to be monitored under HIA processes,” the statement added.
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The floodlights at the venue have come under heavy scrutiny, as fans voiced concerns over inadequate lighting and player safety on social media platforms.
Many urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to improve the lighting conditions at the stadium, particularly with the upcoming Champions Trophy in view.
"PCB should improve the quality of lights in the ground. Rachin Ravindra misjudged the ball under poor lights and took a brutal hit near the eye. Hope he recovers soon," posted a fan on X (formerly Twitter).
Despite Ravindra’s injury, New Zealand secured a commanding 78-run victory. Glenn Phillips played a scintillating unbeaten knock of 106 off 74 balls, hitting seven sixes and six boundaries.
His innings propelled New Zealand to a formidable 330 for six in 50 overs. Mitchell Santner then led the bowling attack, picking up three wickets for 41 runs to dismiss Pakistan for 252 in 47.5 overs.
South Africa is the third team in the series, which serves as preparation for the Champions Trophy, set to commence on 19 February.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner lauded Phillips’ remarkable performance after the match.
"Glenn's brilliant knock and his partnership with Bracewell gave us the much-needed momentum. We were looking at something around 280-300 at one point. The Pakistani bowlers bowled really well, and it needed a special knock from Glenn to take us to 330,” Santner said.
He credited the spinners for tightening the grip on the match.
"The big wicket of Fakhar helped us to keep chipping away in the middle overs. It looked tough in the powerplay. I guess it's never easy when Babar and Fakhar are batting together. We were able to put in the squeeze in the middle overs," Santner added.
Speaking about Michael Bracewell's impressive catch, Santner remarked, "He has got very big hands, and he made it look simple."
The victory sets New Zealand off to a strong start in the series, while Ravindra's injury remains a concern for the team ahead of crucial matches.
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