The city of Bengaluru bore witness to a historic cricketing contest as New Zealand clinched an emphatic eight-wicket victory over India in the opening Test. This remarkable achievement marks New Zealand’s first Test win in India since 1988, ending a 36-year drought. Tom Latham, the Kiwi skipper, expressed his elation, stating that the victory was a culmination of precise planning and spectacular execution by his team.
“It was extremely difficult,” quipped Latham, reflecting on the match that saw New Zealand secure a victory after bowling India out for a paltry 46 in their first innings. He highlighted the importance of this achievement, given that many teams have tried and failed in India over the decades. “There have been a lot of teams that have come here over a long period of time. It’s obviously a really special feeling to be in this position. The work we did in both innings with the ball and then obviously with the bat set the game up for us,” he said, adding that the entire team deserved to celebrate this monumental feat.
Special mention was given to the pivotal eighth-wicket partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee, which put New Zealand firmly on the path to victory. Their 137-run stand in the first innings swung the momentum back in favor of the visitors after a period when the match was delicately poised. “The partnership was massive for us,” Latham noted. “If you had told us that we’d be chasing 100 on day five, we would have gladly accepted that.”
Ravindra’s stellar performance earned him the Man of the Match accolade. His innings of 134 and an unbeaten 39 not only solidified New Zealand’s position during the Test but also impressed his captain greatly. “The way he played the situation of the game was really important for us,” Latham praised. “A 137 partnership with a number nine batter is awesome. The way he calmed the dressing room with his composure is obviously exciting for us.
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Latham acknowledged that New Zealand was handed a stroke of luck when Indian captain Rohit Sharma opted to bat first under conditions that favored seam bowling. “We were going to have a bat as well,” admitted Latham, acknowledging the fortunate turn of events. The New Zealand pacers exploited the pitch expertly, reducing India to their lowest-ever home total, a feat that set the tone for the rest of the match.
The Kiwi skipper also shed light on his tactical outlook, explaining that choosing to field was a calculated risk. “Is it going to be harder on day one or day five?” he pondered, understanding the evolving nature of Indian pitches. “The pitch was deteriorating, and we certainly saw that from a bowler’s perspective.”
Chasing a target of 107 runs, New Zealand’s victory might have looked straightforward on the scorecard, but there were moments of tension. India bounced back with a strong second innings, forcing New Zealand’s seamers to step up decisively. Latham singled out the efforts of Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and Will O’Rourke with the new ball, whose interrogative bowling proved instrumental in curbing India’s advance. “They certainly keep challenging us, and to get a lead from the position they were in was a quality effort.”
The win was achieved without the presence of senior batter Kane Williamson, who was sidelined due to injury. Will Young admirably filled in at No. 3, contributing an unbeaten 48 in the chase and presenting Latham with selection decisions ahead of the next Test. However, uncertainty looms over Williamson’s availability for the upcoming match, with no definite timeline for his return. “No news as of yet,” Latham conceded, expressing hope that Williamson would soon rejoin the squad.
In summary, New Zealand’s victory over India is a testament to their robust team effort, shrewd leadership, and a defining partnership that will be remembered as a turning point in Kiwi cricket history. As they prepare for the next Test, their spirits are undoubtedly buoyed by this achievement, blending strategic insights with youthful exuberance that promises a bright future.