New Zealand’s Ravindra bloodied by ball to the face in Lahore

New Zealand said Rachin Ravindra was recovering well after taking a ball full in the face during a warm-up match for the Champions Trophy against Pakistan in Lahore on Saturday.

The all-rounder was left bloodied by the blow to his forehead after losing sight of the ball in the floodlights as he attempted a catch in the 38th over of Pakistan’s innings.

The team said Ravindra had suffered a cut to his face but was “otherwise well” and had passed his first Head Injury Assessment (HIA).

“He’s been conscious the whole time, which is fantastic,” his teammate Glenn Phillips told reporters at Gaddafi Stadium.

“Obviously it was a pretty terrifying moment, he lost the ball in the lights and unfortunately the ball won that situation this time. He’s being monitored and I’m sure he’ll be raring to go as soon as possible.”

Phillips was named Player of the Match after scoring his maiden one-day international century to drive New Zealand to a victory by 78 runs.

His unbeaten 106 came from just 74 deliveries and helped the Black Caps to a bumper score of 330 for six in their 50 overs before they bundled out their hosts for 252.

“ODI cricket has been my favourite format growing up and it’s always something I’ve been reaching for to get that century,” said Phillips, who was playing his 37th one-day international.

“It was a pretty surreal moment, I’ve been chasing it for a couple of years now, obviously batting at six doesn’t mean your opportunities to score a hundred are always there.

Phillips and Santner lead New Zealand to 78-run win over Pakistan

“Thankfully today everything lined up nicely.”

New Zealand take on South Africa on Monday at the same stadium in the tri-series warm-up for the Champions Trophy, which begins when the Black Caps take on tournament hosts Pakistan again in Karachi on February 19.