In a keenly contested and historic Test match, New Zealand emerged victorious with an eight-wicket win over India in Bengaluru, as the visitors navigated a challenging fifth day run chase on a tricky pitch to etch their name in the annals of cricket history. The Black Caps, who have been determined in their pursuit of Test success on Indian soil, achieved this rare victory 36 years after their last win, thanks to a blend of strategic intent, formidable bowling, and resilient batting displayed across five taxing days of cricket.
At the forefront of New Zealand’s success was the resolute partnership between Will Young and Rachin Ravindra, who ensured a smooth sailing through the final session. Chasing a modest target of 107 runs, their unbeaten 75-run stand, where Young contributed an unfaltering 48* and Ravindra an assured 39*, proved pivotal. Despite a rocky start to the chase, where skipper Tom Latham fell for a duck to Jasprit Bumrah’s buoyant new-ball spell, and Devon Conway’s struggle to a laborious 17-run knock, New Zealand capitalized on their steady partnership to thwart any Indian hopes of a comeback.
Bumrah’s early breakthrough had raised Indian spirits, offering a flicker of hope amidst the testing conditions and variable bounce of the pitch. Yet, the duo of Young and Ravindra quelled any resurgence, batting with poise and maturity that belied the underlying pressures of the context. Their calculated aggression progressively dismantled any threat posed by the Indian bowling attack, demonstrating an exemplary sense of composure as they reached the target.
The missed opportunity to play a third pacer might haunt Indian decision-making, especially on a surface offering little assistance to the spinners. Apart from sporadic pockets of rough outside the off-stump, Indian spinners found the going tough without an extra seamer to keep the pressure sustained. Rohit Sharma’s controversial decision to bat on the second day might also face scrutiny, as the conditions were ripe for bowling exploits.
New Zealand exploited favorable conditions clinically, bundling out India for a meager 46 with an inspired bowling performance led by Matt Henry and William O’Rourke. Henry’s 5-15 and O’Rourke’s 4-22 tore through the Indian batting lineup that fell prey to incisive deliveries and some careless dismissals, putting the visitors in a commanding position early on.
In retrospect, it was Devon Conway’s counter-attacking innings of 91 in the first innings and Rachin Ravindra’s resilient 134 that steered New Zealand to a formidable first innings total.
. Conway’s ability to navigate the challenges offered by the Indian bowlers and provide New Zealand a solid start cannot be understated. New Zealand’s first innings heroics were juxtaposed by India’s brief comeback, reducing them to 233/7 after a solid start at 142/1. However, the partnership between Ravindra and Tim Southee rejuvenated their innings, eventually taking New Zealand to a commanding lead.
Southee and Ravindra combined effectively, posting a match-defining 137-run stand, with the latter unfurling an impressive array of strokes against spin and pace alike. This period was crucial as India’s momentum with the ball was snuffed out, allowing New Zealand to establish a substantial 356-run first innings lead.
India’s spirited second innings fightback was led by a stellar century from Sarfaraz Khan, whose 150 electrified the home side’s fans and brought a renewed sense of hope. Alongside significant contributions from Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli with innings of 99 and 70 respectively, India surged to 462, before the dynamic duo of O’Rourke and Henry struck again with the new ball, effectively stemming the tide and curbing India’s lead.
At 408/3 with a lead of 52, India seemed to wrest the momentum through Sarfaraz and Pant’s remarkable stand, only for New Zealand’s pace attack to claw back control. The partnership-breaking ball from Southee, which dismantled Sarfaraz’s stumps, was the turning point, and was followed swiftly by more breakthroughs from O’Rourke and Henry as they decimated India’s lower order.
Tasked with chasing a manageable target, New Zealand’s Young and Ravindra exhibited character and skill, ensuring there were no further hiccups. As Ravindra stood composed at the crease during the nail-biting final moments, the win was not just a testament to his mettle but also a celebration of New Zealand’s long-awaited triumph on Indian soil. Reflecting on a game filled with immense drama and shifting advantages, New Zealand’s tactical execution and clinical performances, especially from their bowlers, stood out. The Black Caps will take valuable lessons from this historic win, marking an important chapter in their cricketing endeavors.