ENG v NZ: 23-year-old Rachin Ravindra hits hundred in spectacular ...

Cricket World Cup 2023: Rachin Ravindra hit a xx-ball hundred in his maiden World Cup appearance and he was involved in a 200-run stand with fellow centurion Devon Conway at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Rachin Ravindra was in sensational form in his first World Cup match in Ahmedabad (Reuters Photo)

Rachin Ravindra came out of the syllabus for England in their World Cup 2023 opening match against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium as the 23-year-old was in sensational form with the bat. On Thursday, October 5, Rachin joined with experienced Devon Conway as the two batters hammered the England batters in New Zealand's chase of 283 in Ahmedabad.

Devon Conway became the first batter since Virat Kohli and Virender Sehwag in 2011 to score a hundred in a World Cup opening match. The left-handed opener, who has immense experience of playing in Indian conditions due to his stint with Chennai Super Kings, hit the first hundred of the World Cup 2023 in just 83 balls as he combined class with craft in a sensational knock.

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Rachin Ravindra was not far behind when Devon Conway got to his hundred as the young left-hander congratulated his partner for getting to the milestone. He had only 10 runs to close down and he got there in style as early as the 31st over of the chase. Rachin got to his maiden ODI hundred in only his 13 matches and on his World Cup debut.

Rachin had hit 4 sixes in 9 boundaries when he got to his hundred as he was fluent against both spin and pace. Rachin's century came days after he hit 97 against Pakistan in a warm-up match in Hyderabad earlier in the week.

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The young Rachin was not overawed by the sense of occasion as he walked in at No. 3 after New Zealand lost their opener Will Young for 0. Replacing Kane Williamson, who missed the World Cup opener due to fitness concerns, Rachin went after the England bowling attack, putting the pressure right back on England bowlers who were looking to pick up more early wickets.

Rachin's aggressive onslaught made sure New Zealand were ahead of the asking rate throughout the contest. Rachin flaunted his all-round skills as he cut, pulled and played some lovely straight drives with he authority of a senior pro. Rachin also stitched a 200-run partnership with Conway as New Zealand humbled defending champions England.

Rachin Ravindra also became the 13th youngest batter to hit a World Cup century and the youngest New Zealand batter to achieve the feat.

Rachin Ravindra - 23 years, 301 days vs England in 2023

Nathan Astle - 24 years, 132 days vs England in 1996

Chris Harris - 26 years, 112 days vs Australia in 1996

Unlike Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra came up with a more expressive celebration of his hundred as he got his helmet off and soaked in the applause from the dressing room and the fans at the iconic stadium.