Watch: New Zealand star Rachin Ravindra rushed off field after freak face injury during match against Pakistan

Rachin Ravindra got injured during fielding. (Photo: X)

Rachin Ravindra suffered a massive blow on his face while fielding during New Zealand's Tri-Nation Series ODI match against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday (February 8). The incident took place during the 38th over of the Pakistan innings when Khushdil Shah played a slog-sweep which was bowled spinner Michael Bracewell. Rachin, who was standing at deep square leg went for the catch but completely misjudged it.

The impact was so serious that he started bleeding before he was rushed off the field. Later, New Zealand Cricket provided an update on Ravindra’s injury. The board confirmed that the 25-year-old suffered a forehead laceration but is otherwise in good condition.

A tough moment on the field for Rachin Ravindra as an attempted catch turned into an unfortunate injury. Get well soon, Rachin! pic.twitter.com/34dB108tpF
FanCode (@FanCode) February 8, 2025

“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 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 NZC statement said.

Coming to match, Glenn Phillips struck his maiden century, while Mitchell Santner claimed three wickets as New Zealand secured a commanding 78-run victory over Pakistan in the opening match of the Tri-Nation Series in Lahore.

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Phillips smashed an unbeaten 106 off 74 deliveries, including seven sixes and six fours, propelling the Blackcaps to a formidable total of 330 for 6 in 50 overs. Santner then starred with the ball, taking 3 for 41 as New Zealand bowled out Pakistan for 252 in 47.5 overs. South Africa is the third team in the series, which serves as a lead-up to the Champions Trophy, commencing on February 19.

After the match, winning team captain Mitchell Santner said, "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. There was a bit of assistance for the spinners and that was nice.

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"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. The conditions in Karachi are a little different and we know how good Pakistan are. (On Bracewell's catch) He has got very big hands and he made it look simple."