Last week, New Zealand beat India in the first test of a three-match series by eight wickets, earning their first victory in India for 36 years. The match, held in Bengaluru, got off to a thrilling start as India were bowled out for 46, their lowest ever total on home soil. New Zealand responded by posting a well-earned 402, leaving India facing a considerable first innings deficit. Had they overturned it, they would have been the first team to win a test after conceding a first innings lead of more than 350 runs.
Things looked hopeful in the middle order, with Sarfaraz Khan batting elegantly to score 150, and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant falling just short of his ton on 99. A respectable batting effort saw them bowled out for 462, with a slim lead of 107 to defend. Following rain overnight, New Zealand got off to a shaky start on the final day in their second innings pursuit, as Jasprit Bumrah got Kiwi captain Tom Latham for a duck with the second ball of the day. Looking as threatening as always, Bumrah got Devon Conway out LBW a couple of overs later. New Zealand’s nerves were settled once Will Young and Rachin Ravindra got themselves in, as they hit the remaining runs confidently and with little difficulty.
The last time New Zealand won in India was all the way back in Mumbai in 1988. Players will now look ahead to the next game of the series, which starts in Pune on Thursday. India captain Rohit Sharma appeared confident despite the loss, suggesting there were positives to be taken from it, and that his side played good cricket apart from the poor batting performance in the first innings. This confidence comes with good reason, since India have now won 18 consecutive Test series on home soil, last being defeated by England way back in 2012.
Despite India’s valiant second innings comeback, New Zealand held out to earn only their third ever victory in India. As the second match approaches, Australia and England will be keeping a close eye on their fellow big-three competitor, seeing if the Kiwis can cause a shock series defeat.
“New Zealand cricket team, Shoaib Malik, Dunedin, NZ, 2009” by Benchill is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.