Rachin Ravindra Score 68 in 35 Balls – NZ vs Aus 1st T20I

Rachin Ravindra, the great talent of New Zealand’s cricket , showcased his prowess once again by hammering 50 runs off just 29 balls against Australia in the inaugural Twenty20 international in Wellington.

However, his blistering knock came to an end after amassing 68 runs in 35 balls. Initially, Ravindra struggled, managing only 14 runs in the first 16 balls. Yet, in a stunning display of batting prowess, he turned the tide, smashing 54 runs in the next 19 balls, including a remarkable 24 runs in a single over against Australian leg spinner Adam Zampa.

Ravindra sent six balls soaring over the boundary before eventually getting caught on the edge by Mitchell Starc, off the bowling of Pat Cummins. His departure in the 15th over concluded a formidable 113-run partnership with opener Conway, who also fell victim to Starc, this time courtesy of Mitchell Marsh’s delivery in the following over.

Prior to the match, Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand side won the toss and opted to bat first against Mitchell Marsh’s Australia. During the toss, Kiwi captain Santner voiced his optimism about posting a competitive total, also noting the absence of Ben Sears and Will Young for the 1st T20I against Australia.

“It appears to be an excellent surface, to be frank. Hopefully, we can set a solid total and perhaps find some swing later on. As we’ve seen in previous series, if we establish a strong total, we have confidence in our ability to defend it. Ben Sears and Will Young are unavailable today,” Santner remarked, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

In contrast, Australian skipper Marsh indicated that they would have preferred to bowl first had they won the toss, aiming to limit the Kiwis to a modest score.

“We had plans to bowl first. We’re pleased to have the chance. Our aim is to contain them to a low score. While Cummins and Starc may not have extensive T20I experience, their expertise will be invaluable for us tonight. Our batting lineup is settled and in good form. I anticipate an enthralling series between two formidable teams,” Marsh stated.

Additionally, Australian star batsman Glenn Maxwell is just two overhead boundaries away from matching the record for the most sixes in 20-over matches for Australia.

Here are the line-ups for both teams:

Australia Playing XI: Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh (C), Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (Wk), Tim David, Matthew Short, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

New Zealand Playing XI: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (Wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Mitchell Santner (C), Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson