Rachin Ravindra Lights Up Bulawayo with Blistering 165 in Historic Test Feat*

In a commanding display of skill, temperament, and pure class, Rachin Ravindra has once again proven why he’s one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket. On August 8, 2025, in the second Test against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo, the 25-year-old Kiwi all-rounder carved out an unbeaten 165 runs from just 139 balls, steering New Zealand into a position of absolute dominance.

The innings, marked by 21 exquisite boundaries and 2 towering sixes, was more than just a personal milestone—it was part of a historic moment in Test history. Alongside Devon Conway’s fluent century and Henry Nicholls’ 150*, Ravindra helped New Zealand post a colossal 601/3, amassing a 476-run lead over the hosts by the end of Day 2.

The Knock That Broke Boundaries

Ravindra’s approach to batting in Bulawayo was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Coming in after Conway had laid the perfect foundation, he wasted no time settling in. His cover drives split the field with surgical precision, his pull shots carried the authority of a seasoned Test batter, and his strike rotation ensured the scoreboard kept ticking relentlessly.

What made this innings even more remarkable was the match context. Zimbabwe’s attack, buoyed by a home crowd and eager to restrict the Kiwis, bowled with discipline. Yet, Ravindra dismantled their plans with a blend of orthodox strokes and inventive shot-making. His ability to accelerate without risk showcased a maturity beyond his years.

A Rare Test Cricket Record

Ravindra’s 165* was not just a personal triumph—it placed him in an elite chapter of cricket’s history books. This match marked only the third time in Test cricket that three batters in the same innings have scored 150 or more runs.

• Devon Conway: Stylish and composed, anchoring the innings with elegance.

• Henry Nicholls: Rock-solid, turning starts into a marathon effort.

• Rachin Ravindra: The spark that ignited a rapid scoring burst.

This combination of grit and flair ensured that New Zealand’s innings will be remembered for years to come.

Consistency Is No Fluke

For cricket fans following Ravindra’s career, this performance is far from an isolated flash of brilliance. Earlier in March 2025, he was crowned Player of the Tournament in the ICC Champions Trophy, finishing as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 263 runs at an average of nearly 69. He also chipped in with 3 crucial wickets, underlining his value as a genuine all-rounder.

His semi-final century in that tournament drew praise from cricketing greats, including Michael Atherton, who hailed him as one of the next-generation batting greats. Ravindra’s fearless yet composed style has drawn comparisons to some of the finest all-rounders of modern cricket.

Background: The Journey So Far

Born in Wellington to Indian parents, Rachin Ravindra’s cricketing journey was shaped by a strong blend of New Zealand discipline and subcontinental flair. His name—a fusion of “Rahul” and “Sachin”—is a nod to two of India’s greatest batsmen, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar.

From making his mark in age-group cricket to representing New Zealand in U-19 World Cups, Ravindra’s progression has been steady and calculated. His breakthrough came during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he stunned the world with match-winning centuries, establishing himself as a cornerstone of New Zealand’s future batting plans.

Match Impact and What’s Next

Ravindra’s innings in Bulawayo didn’t just demoralize Zimbabwe—it set the tone for the rest of the Test series. With such a commanding first-innings lead, New Zealand’s bowlers will have ample cushion to attack, while Ravindra’s confidence will only soar higher.

Looking ahead, this knock cements his role as a game-changer for the Black Caps in all formats. Whether in the upcoming World Test Championship fixtures or limited-overs assignments, Rachin Ravindra is shaping up to be New Zealand’s answer to the modern multi-format superstar.

Authoritative Source Suggestion

For official match scorecards and statistics, refer to Cricbuzz – NZ vs ZIM 2nd Test, 2025.