Rachin Ravindra scored 176 runs against West Indies attack in the 1st Test. Read about the dominant innings that set up New Zealand’s huge total.
Rachin Ravindra’s Dominant 176 Against the West Indies
In the ever-evolving landscape of Test cricket, where stoicism often reigns supreme, Rachin Ravindra’s exhilarating knock of 176 runs against the West Indies at Hagley Oval on Day 3 of the first Test in December 2025 offered a brilliant, high-octane spectacle. This innings, coming off just 185 deliveries, was the driving force behind New Zealand’s commanding position, effectively batting the visiting side out of the contest and securing a massive 481-run lead by the close of play.
Ravindra, batting at number four, arrived at the crease with the scorecard reading a slightly precarious 100 for 2, shortly after the dismissal of Kane Williamson. What followed was a masterclass in aggressive, yet controlled, Test match batting that showcased the young all-rounder’s immense talent and fearlessness.
A Partnership of Contrasts: Ravindra and Latham
The cornerstone of New Zealand’s innings was the monumental 279-run third-wicket partnership between Ravindra and his skipper, Tom Latham, who played a more measured, yet equally crucial, innings of 145. The contrasting styles of the two left-handers meshed perfectly to dismantle the West Indies attack. While Latham, methodical and determined, anchored the innings to end a three-year century drought, Ravindra took the bowlers to task with a one-day international approach, radiating intent from his very first ball, which he dispatched for four.
Seizing the Initiative and Capitalising on Lapses
Ravindra’s aggressive approach was evident in his rapid scoring. He raced to his half-century off just 52 balls, setting a blistering pace that shocked the visitors. Crucially, the West Indies’ fielders gifted him two early lives, dropping him on 8 and then again on 13. Ravindra, recognizing the opportunity, made them pay dearly for their costly lapses, a testament to his mental fortitude.
The second session belonged entirely to the New Zealand duo, as they scored 133 runs without losing a wicket. Ravindra brought up his fourth Test century—and his second in consecutive Tests—off just 108 deliveries, marking the milestone with yet another boundary. The celebration was a mix of relief and pure, high-octane joy, reflecting the nature of his innings.
A Flurry of Boundaries and Milestones
What made this innings so compelling was the sheer volume of boundaries. Ravindra’s 176 included a stunning 27 fours and 1 towering six, demonstrating his ability to find the gaps on a pitch that had flattened out considerably under bright sunshine on Day 3. His strike rate of 95.14 is rarely seen in long-form cricket, particularly when building a large total. He consistently hit fours to mark major milestones, including his 50, 100, and 150, showcasing his desire to maintain control and momentum. He employed the pull shot with particular power and timing, exploiting the gaps in the off-side field that his aggressive play had created.
The partnership not only broke West Indies’ spirit but also set a new New Zealand record for the third wicket against the Caribbean side. Ravindra’s journey finally ended on 176, just short of a double century, when a fierce yorker from Ojay Shields breached his aggressive defence.
A Defining Moment
Ravindra’s 176 was more than just a large score; it was a statement. It was a clear display of the temperament and skill that has quickly marked him as one of the most exciting young players in world cricket. His ability to switch gears—to be aggressively dominant after two tough, seam-friendly days—turned a good Test position into an unassailable one. The brilliance of his knock means the West Indies now face a near-impossible task to save the first Test, needing to surpass a record fourth-innings chase.
Rachin Ravindra scored 176 runs against West Indies.
This innings will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in Rachin Ravindra’s Test career, a day he truly made the opposition bowlers suffer and proved he possesses not just the patience for long-form cricket, but the explosive flair to win a Test match in a single day’s play.
