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NZ Vs RSA: Rachin Ravindra 'Not Giving' Player Of Match Award To Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson scored centuries in both innings, while Rachin Ravindra smashed a 240-run knock and picked up two wickets as New Zealand beat South Africa by 281 runs in the first Test in Mount Maunganui

Outlook Sports Desk

Updated on: 8 February 2024 10:08 am

Rachin Ravindra celebrates his century during the first day of the first cricket Test match between New Zealand and South Africa at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP

He may have looked up to Kane Williamson while growing up and been influenced by the senior pro all through his cricket-honing years, but Rachin Ravindra wasn't going to share his maiden Player of The Match (POTM) award in Tests with the New Zealand titan. Ravindra bagged the honour after the hosts secured a thumping 281-run win over a third-string South Africa in the first Test in Mount Maunganui. (More Cricket News)

Asked at the post-match presentation if he would like to share the award with Williamson, Ravindra, perhaps tongue-in-cheek, replied with: "Nah, not at all. He's got 31 Test hundreds for my one so I'm not giving that one."

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Williamson had notched up a laborious century (118 off 289 balls) and forged a 232-run partnership with Ravindra in the first innings, but the 24-year-old southpaw went one better, scoring a fabulous 240 to propel the Kiwis to a daunting 511-run total in the first innings. Williamson brought up another ton - his 31st in Test cricket - in their second essay, but the POTM honour was bestowed on Ravindra, who picked up two wickets as well.

Hear from captain Tim Southee after the team's 281 run win in the 1st Tegel Test against South Africa. #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/PuCMeElvPI
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 7, 2024

Firsts are always special, and indeed, the youngster would want to savour the award for eternity. He did not shy away from acknowledging Williamson's role in his career, however. Asked if his sedate hundred celebration was in any way influecned by Williamson, Ravindra said: "He's the influence so I guess that's how it turned out."

After somewhat tepid outings in his first three Tests, Ravindra was fourth time lucky and played the leading role in the Kiwi triumph. The two teams will now head to Hamilton for the second Test, which starts on February 13.