Williamson surpasses Kohli and Bradman while Ravindra makes history of his own

In a spectacular start to 2024, Kane Williamson achieved a remarkable feat by notching up his 30th Test century, while Rachin Ravindra filled his boots by amassing 240 across the first two days of play, the highest maiden men's Test hundred by a New Zealander.

In a brilliant partnership, Williamson and Ravindra put on 219 runs for the third wicket on day one, guiding the hosts to a commanding position at 258/2 by stumps. The pair added 13 on day two before Williamson top-edged a Ruan de Swardt delivery into the hands of Tshepo Moreki to finish with 118 to his name.

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Ravindra continued on his charge after the loss of Williamson, upping his strike rate as the hosts push for a colossal score. After reaching the double ton, Ravindra went on to pass Matthew Sinclair's 214 scored against the West Indies in 1999 as the highest maiden century by a men's player representing New Zealand.

In a classic Kane Williamson innings characterized by resilience and flair, he crafted his way to a century with 15 well-timed boundaries off 241 deliveries. By the close of play, Williamson stood unbeaten at 112.

The top-ranked Test batter Williamson was granted a lifeline when Edward Moore dropped an early chance. Capitalising on the opportunit, he equaled Joe Root's total while surpassing the tallies of legends Don Bradman and Virat Kohli, both of whom have 29 centuries to their names.

Continuing his momentum after recently clinching the ICC Emerging Men’s Cricketer of the Year 2023 award, Rachin Ravindra reflected on his time in the middle after day one as "surreal".

"After I got to my century, Kane come up to me and said, 'mate, you're unbelievable'," Ravindra said post the first day's play.

"To be receiving that kind of special praise from one of the best batters in the world. It's the coolest thing I've been a part of."

"Playing alongside Kane is always very special," the left-handed Ravindra said.

"Sharing the crease with someone I idolise so much, life has come full circle for me. It's a real 'pinch-me' moment."