Rachin Ravindra ‘recovering well’ after forehead injury

 New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra is recovering well after sustaining a forehead injury during a warm-up match against Pakistan at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, the team has confirmed.

Ravindra suffered a laceration on his forehead after failing to spot the ball under the floodlights while attempting a catch in the 38th over of Pakistan’s innings. The impact left him bloodied, but medical staff promptly treated the injury at the ground.

“He sustained a laceration to the forehead which has been addressed and treated at the ground,” New Zealand Cricket said in a statement. “He is otherwise well and has passed his initial Head Injury Assessment (HIA). He will continue to be monitored under HIA protocols.”

New Zealand batter Glenn Phillips, speaking to reporters, expressed relief over his teammate’s condition. “He’s been conscious the whole time, which is fantastic,” Phillips said. “It was a terrifying moment. He lost the ball in the lights, and unfortunately, the ball won that battle. But he’s being monitored and will be eager to return soon.”

Phillips was the star of the match, smashing an unbeaten 106 off just 74 balls to guide New Zealand to 330-6 in their 50 overs. His maiden ODI century helped the visitors secure a commanding 78-run victory after Pakistan were bowled out for 252.

“ODI cricket has always been my favourite format, and I’ve been chasing this century for a couple of years now,” Phillips, playing his 37th ODI, said. “Batting at six doesn’t always give you the opportunity, but thankfully, everything lined up today.”

New Zealand will now face South Africa on Monday at the same venue as part of the tri-series warm-up for the ICC Champions Trophy. The Black Caps will kick off their campaign against hosts Pakistan in Karachi on February 19.