New Zealand finally triumphed against India after 1988 in India, as they registered an 8-wicket win in the first of the three Tests. This match was played in Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
India had opted to bat first after winning the toss on day 2 after the first day’s play was rained out. Unfortunately, the brave decision to bat first despite moisture in the pitch and overcast conditions backfired, as India was shot out for 46 runs. Matt Henry picked 5 and Will O’Rourke took 4 wickets for the Kiwis.
In response, New Zealand made 402 runs, with Rachin Ravindra making 134, Devon Conway scoring 91, and Tim Southee making 65 runs. For India, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja picked three wickets each.
India had to do well in their second innings and batters came to the party. Rohit Sharma (52), Yashasvi Jaiswal (35), Virat Kohli (70), Rishabh Pant (99) and Sarfaraz Khan (150) starred with the bat. It seemed like India would be able to post a good total and set a decent target for New Zealand to chase.
However, New Zealand pacers wreaked havoc with the new ball, and India was bundled for 462 runs. Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke each picked three wickets.
Set 107 to win, New Zealand lost two early wickets of Tom Latham (0) and Devon Conway (17). But Will Young (48*) and Rachin Ravindra (39*) avoided further damage and New Zealand won the first Test by 8 wickets. This meant that New Zealand also went 1-0 up in the three-Test series.
This was New Zealand’s first Test win in India since 1988 and third overall. Rachin Ravindra was Player of the Match.
The next Test match will be played in Pune from October 24 onwards.
The cricket fraternity was all praises for the two teams who played excellent Test cricket. They lauded New Zealand for their Test win, a rare feat in India.
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