Fri Oct 18 10:02:29 UTC 2024: ## Ravindra’s Century Guides New Zealand to Dominant Lead in Bengaluru Test
**Bengaluru, India:** Rachin Ravindra’s magnificent century, his second in Test cricket, put New Zealand in a commanding position on day three of the Bengaluru Test against India.
The 21-year-old all-rounder became the first New Zealander since 2012 to score a Test century on Indian soil, reaching the milestone with a boundary off Ravichandran Ashwin. His innings, laced with 13 fours and four sixes, helped New Zealand set a mammoth target of 402, leaving India with a mountain to climb.
Ravindra, who resumed his innings from an overnight score of 22, remained unbeaten until the very end, adding a crucial 137-run partnership with Tim Southee, who himself contributed a quickfire 65.
While India’s bowlers, particularly Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja, picked up wickets in the first session, Ravindra’s brilliance ensured New Zealand gained a substantial lead. He was eventually dismissed for a well-deserved 137, leaving New Zealand with a lead of 356 runs.
This innings not only marked Ravindra’s second Test century, but it also etched his name into New Zealand cricketing history as the 21st Kiwi batsman to score a Test century in India.
With a commanding lead and an impressive display of batting prowess, New Zealand will be looking to capitalize on their advantage and claim victory in the Bengaluru Test.
First Piper 