For New Zealand, the emergence of Ravindra as a formidable top-order batter has been a revelation
Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson both made centuries as New Zealand set a big total of 362/6 against South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday for a place in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
With New Zealand already qualified for the semi-finals, selectors have the luxury of resting players for the final group match against India in Dubai on Sunday.
Rachin Ravindra marked his ICC Champions Trophy debut with a century in New Zealand's win over Bangladesh on Monday but it was the 25-year-old's ability to soak up the pressure while batting in an unfamiliar position that impressed teammate Tom Latham.
Ravindra hit 112 as New Zealand marched into the semis, taking India along with them, after his team's win over Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.
Blood poured from the head of a dazed Ravindra while the crowd looked on with concern.
"It's massive. A lot of my family were watching the match, probably at the stadium and at home on TV," Ravindra said.
The hosts were 231-3 at stumps and still trailed the Black Caps by 125 runs after Glenn Phillips got Virat Kohli caught behind for 70 on the last ball of the day in Bengaluru.
The Black Caps begin the three Test match series on Wednesday, but the Wellington-born Ravindra -- who called himself "a Kiwi all the way through" -- said facing India will be an emotional moment.
Opener Will Young, Rachin Ravindra and Tom Latham struck half centuries as New Zealand overcame some tight bowling by the Netherlands to post 322-7 in their World Cup clash on Monday.
A nine-wicket thumping is tough to digest but England captain Jos Buttler does not want to see his team mates wallow in self-pity after a horrible start to their World Cup title defence against New Zealand on Thursday.
Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra smashed centuries to power New Zealand to a crushing nine-wicket win over defending champions England in the opening match of the World Cup on Thursday.
