IND vs NZ, 1st Test: New Zealand's star batter Rachin Ravindra, who hails from Bengaluru continued his sublime form at this venue as he scored his first century against the Men in Blue on the third day of the series opener. It was the first century by a New Zealand batter after 12 years in the longest format. Rachin was looking quite comfortable at his 'home' as he scored his second Test century. He stitched an important partnership with Tim Southee as they took the lead beyond 250 runs. As the Kiwi batters continued their onslaught, the hosts conceded the biggest first-innings lead since 2013.

Ross Taylor was the last Kiwi batter to have scored a century in the longest format in India, where he scored 113 runs at the same venue. Rachin played brilliantly and went all-guns-blazing against bowlers like R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. He was looking in sublime form and scored a century by hitting a four and celebrated his achievement by removing a helmet. It was quite special for him as he brought up this hundred in front of his family. He came into bat when the team needed him the most and had put them in the driver's position. He began his knock with the help of great footwork. He used the depth of the crease quite brilliantly played some brilliant shots brought up his century and became the 18th New Zealand batter to have scored a century in India.

A memorable hundred for Rachin

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It was not the first time that he had scored a century at this venue. He has good memories of batting here as he scored a century against Pakistan as well at the ODI World Cup last year. After scoring a century in the 50-over format, Rachin made sure to score a Test century as well.

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Rachin along with Tim Southee snatched the match away from the hosts after they had a great first session, where the Indian bowlers took three wickets. Till lunch, they had stitched the second-fastest partnership of 100 runs against the hosts.

 


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