New Zealand marked a momentous triumph with an impressive eight-wicket victory over India in the opening Test in Bengaluru, breaking a 36-year hiatus since their last win on Indian soil. Tom Latham, New Zealand’s interim captain, humorously understated their achievement by saying, “It was extremely difficult,” yet the win was nothing short of historic. Once the Kiwi bowlers shot India out for a mere 46 runs in the first innings, New Zealand had to navigate through phases where India seemed to claw back into the game before finally claiming victory. This achievement marked New Zealand’s first win in India since 1988, a testament to their hard work and perseverance.
Reflecting on the historic victory, Latham expressed his delight, emphasizing the rarity and significance of the occasion. “There have been a lot of teams that have come here over a long period of time, I think 36 years is the last time that we’ve won here. So it’s obviously a really special feeling to be in this position,” he acknowledged. He attributed this victory to the collective team effort across both innings, with stellar performances with the ball followed by competent batting displays, laying a solid foundation for the win. “It’s obviously a proud moment for this group and one we’ll celebrate,” he added with palpable pride.
Central to New Zealand’s success was the 137-run partnership between young Rachin Ravindra and experienced campaigner Tim Southee for the eighth wicket, which fortified their first innings total. This critical stand came at a time when the match hung in balance, but their resilience handed New Zealand a significant upper hand. “The game was in the balance a little bit when Tim and Rachin formed their partnership and I think they put on 137,” Latham noted. He elaborated on the importance of this partnership in the context of the match, declaring it as a massive factor in their favor.
Ravindra’s all-important innings won him the Man of the Match accolade. He amassed a commanding 134 and followed up with an unbeaten 39 runs, garnering accolades from his captain. Latham was effusive in his praise for the young batsman, highlighting how Ravindra played with maturity beyond his years.
. “The way he played the situation of the game was really important for us,” Latham said, lauding the calm and composed demeanor Ravindra exhibited, especially during tense moments that could have shifted the match in India’s favor. For a player in his ninth or tenth Test match, such a performance underscores the exciting potential Ravindra brings to the team. “Very happy,” Latham concluded, summarizing the team’s sentiments toward Ravindra’s contributions.
The New Zealand team benefitted from a fortuitous decision made by India’s captain Rohit Sharma to bat first in conditions that were tailor-made for fast bowling. The pitch, kept under covers for an extended period, offered significant movement, facilitating New Zealand’s pace attack to exploit India’s vulnerabilities, bowling them out for their lowest ever home total. Latham admitted that fortune favored them, conceding, “We were going to have a bat as well. I guess it’s just one of those times where you fall on the wrong or right side, whatever way you look at it.”
New Zealand’s task of chasing a target of 107 was fraught with tension as India reasserted themselves in the second innings. Latham was full of praise for his bowlers, who halted India’s resurgence just as the game threatened to slip through New Zealand’s grasp. He appreciated the decisive role played by the seamers, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and Will O’Rourke, with the new ball, applying unrelenting pressure to ensure that the target remained manageable.
The victory unfolded notwithstanding the absence of senior batter Kane Williamson, de facto leader and batting stalwart for New Zealand. His replacement, Will Young, contributed a crucial unbeaten 48, giving Latham a selection conundrum ahead of the next Test. Whether Williamson will recover in time to reinforce the squad remains uncertain, and Latham remains hopeful that Williamson can rejoin the team for the continuation of the series starting on October 24.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Williamson’s return, New Zealand enters the next Test buoyed by their victory, embracing the ensuing challenges with optimism and determination. This milestone win not only elevates the morale of the team but also underlines their potential to perform and excel in challenging subcontinental conditions.