New Zealand Script History with a Test Win in India After 36 Years

In a rain-curtailed match at Bengaluru, New Zealand etched their names into Indian cricketing history by securing a historic Test win against the hosts. This victory, achieved by eight wickets, marked the first time in 36 years that a New Zealand team had triumphed on Indian soil in a Test match.

India’s First-Innings Shocker

The match began with a stunning collapse from India. Batting first on a pitch that had been under cover for days, the Indian batsmen were unable to cope with the pace, swing, and seam of the New Zealand bowlers. Matt Henry and William O’Rourke wreaked havoc, claiming five and four wickets respectively, as India were bundled out for a paltry 46 runs – their third-lowest total in Test history and the lowest at home.

New Zealand Make Merry

In response, New Zealand made merry, compiling a massive total of 402 runs. Devon Conway contributed a solid 91, while Rachin Ravindra, a Bengaluru-born player, scored a century in his first match in India. His 134-run knock, laced with 13 fours and four sixes, was a highlight of the innings.

Tim Southee also played a crucial role, scoring a quick-fire 65 that included five fours and four sixes. The pair of Ravindra and Southee added 137 runs off just 132 balls, seemingly taking the match away from India as the visitors raced to a lead of 366 runs.

Indian Batters Fight Back

However, India did not give up. Captain Rohit Sharma led the charge with a 52-run knock, but it was the middle order that came to the rescue in the second innings. Virat Kohli, who had been dismissed for a duck in the first innings, scored 70 runs before being dismissed on the last ball of Day 3.

Sarfaraz Khan, a young talent, shone brightly, registering his maiden Test century and converting it into a 150. Wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant was unfortunate to get out on 99, but he and Khan added 172 runs for the fourth wicket, helping India take the lead.

Despite their efforts, New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly Henry and O’Rourke, once again proved to be too much for the Indian batsmen. They claimed three wickets each as India lost seven wickets for 57 runs, ending their innings with 462 runs.

New Zealand Seizes Victory

With a modest target of 107 to win, New Zealand started the final day on a cautious note, losing a wicket early on. However, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra, who had already impressed in the first innings, remained unbeaten to guide New Zealand to victory.

This historic win marked a significant milestone for New Zealand, ending a 36-year drought of Test victories in India. It was a testament to their skill, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure.