PAK vs NZ | Twitter prays as Rachin's catch attempt under lights leaves him with bloody face

Gantavya Adukia

ByGantavya Adukia,SportsCafe Editor

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Any sport played with a leather rock being flung around at hundreds of kilometers per hour using a huge wooden plank will never cease to be dangerous. Rachin Ravindra found out the same in tragic fashion on against Pakistan in Lahore on Sunday after losing a ball under the lights.

New Zealand cruised to a 78-run win in the tri-series opener at Gadaffi Stadium to kick off their Champions Trophy preparations with aplomb. A maiden ODI ton from Glenn Phillips, coming off just 72 balls, after a steady half-century from Kane Williamson and a nearly run-a-ball 81 from Daryll Mitchell took the visitors to a mammoth total of 330/6 having opted to bat first. In response, Fakhar Zaman led the hosts' chasing efforts with a rapid 69-ball 84 featuring seven boundaries and three maximums but barely found any company at the other end and once Tayyab Tahir departed in the 34th over the match was practically over. However, as Rachin Ravindra would attest, it is thereafter that the defining incident of the encounter took place much to everyone's horror.

Khushdil Shah, looking to strike some lusty blows in a last ditch effort to keep Pakistan alive, caught hold of a slog sweep of Michael Bracewell in the 38th over to send the ball sailing towards the midwicket fence. The shot lacked power and Rachin settled himself in position comfortably anticpating a simple grab. However, the trajectory of the shot meant the Kookaburra was perfectly aligned with the floodlights behind and the Kiwi completely lost track of the ball such that he hardly flinched until it struck him straight in the head, sending Rachin crashing on the deck. Instinctively, the youngster immediately tried to get back to his feet but stopped midway and slowly sat back on the grass while keeping his eyes fixated on the ground as if in a daze, blood dripping down his face.

The medical staff rushed to the field with ice packs and a stretched was arranged for but thankfully, Rachin was able to eventually walk off on his own and is reported to be fine despite a severe laceration. Twitterati was quick to send the New Zealander their best wishes.

Get well soon Rachin Ravindra

Hope he is okay!

Shocking scenes! 

scary and unfair!

Hope he ia ok!

poor lighting condition!

Is this light condition safe for the players?

Hope for good news!

get well soon Rachin!

Recovery soon!

Bad Luck!

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