New Zealand ended a 36-year drought by defeating India on Indian soil for the first time since 1988. Their last victory against India in India was a 136-run win at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Rain and a damp outfield delayed the start of play on the final day, with action finally resuming at 10:15 am. Will Young provided stability for New Zealand after Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Tom Latham early on Day 5. Meanwhile, Devon Conway played a gritty supporting role, enduring a few hits but staying composed and avoiding risky shots. By the time Bumrah managed to take Conway’s wicket for 17 off 39 balls, he was nearing the end of his spell, and New Zealand had already added 35 runs to their total.
India’s fielders were sharp, saving about 11 runs in the process. However, India’s misjudgment of the pitch conditions proved costly, as they lacked a third seamer to take full advantage.
While Bumrah was in his rhythm, runs seemed nearly impossible for New Zealand. Latham appeared ready for an inswinger but was undone by the extra nip off the surface, which beat his defenses. Conway, facing Bumrah’s deliveries from around the wicket, thought he had adjusted to the angle. However, a delivery that swung late after pitching swung just enough to evade his bat and trap him lbw. However, the Kiwis steadied the ship thanks to a gritty knock by Rachin Ravindra and safely got themselves over the line to take a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series.
Earlier, India staged a commendable fightback after being dismissed for 46 in their first innings, but New Zealand held their ground to secure a historic win. Kiwis have now achieved just three Test victories on Indian soil. Their first triumph came back in 1969, followed by a second in 1988, and now their latest win in 2024.
A huge win for New Zealand in Bengaluru!
They win a Test in India for the first time in nearly 36 years, becoming only the third team to beat India in India in the past decade 🙌 https://t.co/tzXZHnJPJI #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/DRCdYfz7tI
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 20, 2024
“I said it at the press conference after day 2, we knew it’d be a challenge, with overcast conditions and tricky pitch. We didn’t think we’d be 46 all out but due credit to NZ. It set us back and games like this will happen.” India skipper Rohit Sharma said after the game.
“Gotta take the good things forward. We’ve been here before, conceding home losses; these things happen. Two Tests to go, we know what it takes and will give it all in the next two Tests,” he added.
The second test game of the 3-match test series will start on Thursday 24 October 2024 at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
