New Zealand Cricket (NZC) issued a significant update regarding Rachin Ravindra's injury on Saturday. The all-rounder sustained a facial injury after being struck by the ball while fielding, resulting in bleeding. This incident occurred during the first ODI of the tri-series against Pakistan in Lahore.

The event took place in the 37th over of the second innings when Khusdil Shah executed a slog sweep off a delivery from Michael Bracewell. Ravindra positioned himself to catch the ball but lost sight of it due to the floodlights, leading to a direct hit on his forehead. The impact left him momentarily disoriented, and he remained staring at the ground for several minutes before blood began to flow down his face, leaving the crowd in shocked silence.

Medical personnel, along with the Pakistan team doctor, promptly attended to him on the field before he was escorted off with his face covered by a towel.

Following the match, NZC provided a crucial update on Ravindra, indicating that he is in stable condition but will be monitored closely in anticipation of the second game against South Africa on Monday.

"Ravindra was compelled to leave the field after being hit in the forehead while attempting a catch in the 38th over," stated a New Zealand Cricket announcement. "He suffered a laceration to the forehead, which has been treated on-site, and he is otherwise in good health. He successfully completed his initial Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and will continue to be observed under HIA protocols."

New Zealand faced a significant concern just over a week prior to the Champions Trophy, as the team is also managing issues related to fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who sustained a hamstring injury during the ILT20 in the UAE earlier this week.

New Zealand take lead in tri-series

After opting to bat first, the visitors bounced back from a poor start, where they were reduced to 39 for two, to finish at 330 for six in 50 overs after performances from Kane Williamson (58 in 89 balls, with seven fours), Daryl Mitchell (81 in 84 balls, with two fours and four sixes) and Glenn Phillips (106* in 74 balls, with six fours and seven sixes). Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/88) and Abrar Ahmed (2/41) were among the top wicket-takers for Pakistan.

In reply, opener Fakhar Zaman provided Pakistan with a promising start en route to his knock of 84 in 69 balls, laced with seven fours and four sixes, before the hosts were reduced to 119/4. Salman Agha (40 in 51 balls, with two fours and six) and Tayyab Tahir (30 in 29 balls, with four boundaries) put on a 53-run partnership, but Pakistan was skittled out for just 252 runs in 47.5 overs.

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