With his 3rd century in World Cup 2023, Indian-origin Rachin eclipses Sachin

NEW Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra on Saturday (4) set a record when he slammed his third century of World Cup 2023 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The left-arm batting allrounder, who is of Indian origin, hit 108 off 94 balls against Pakistan in a match which is crucial for both sides to remain in the race for the semi-finals and he hit 15 fours and a six during the knock. New Zealand put up a massive total of 401 for 6 in 50 overs after Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and elected to field.

Ravindra has scored centuries against England (123 not out) and Australia (116) in the tournament, but the games saw contradictory outcomes.

But by scoring his third century in the tournament, Ravindra achieved something special that put him ahead of legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar, after whom the New Zealander has been named by his Indian family. Ravindra's name is actually a combination of Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, another legendary India batter and currently the head coach of the hosts.

The century against Pakistan saw Ravindra becoming the player with most hundreds at the World Cup before turning 25, surpassing Tendulkar. The former India captain has scored two centuries in World Cup before turning 25 and they had come against Kenya and Sri Lanka in the 1996 edition which was also played at home.

Ravindra will turn 24 on November 18.

The New Zealand youngster also equalled Tendulkar's record for scoring the most number of runs (523 in 1996) in a single World Cup edition before turning 25. He can now better it in his next innings.

Three centuries have made Ravindra the New Zealander with most tons in a single World Cup. Six New Zealand players have scored two tons each in World Cup editions.