In a sensational display of resilience and composure, New Zealand secured a remarkable eight-wicket victory over India in the inaugural Test match held in Bengaluru. The win marked a significant moment for the Kiwis, as they achieved their first Test victory on Indian soil in 36 years. This remarkable feat was orchestrated with the help of an unbroken 75-run partnership between Will Young, who remained unbeaten on 48, and Rachin Ravindra with a composed 39*, guiding their team through a precarious run chase of 107 runs on the final day.
As the day began, the pressure on New Zealand was palpable, especially after losing their captain Tom Latham for a duck, bowled out by the in-form Jasprit Bumrah, who had figures of 2-29. Bumrah’s fiery spell had reignited hopes for the Indian camp, threatening to derail New Zealand’s modest chase. However, it was the assured and steady play of Young and Ravindra that snuffed out India’s hopes of staging an improbable comeback. Young, showing remarkable poise, looked impervious to the relentless pressure from the Indian attack, confidently negating the threat of the new ball.
Ravindra, carrying momentum from his first innings heroics, clipped boundaries early in his innings, setting the rhythm for the New Zealand chase. India, repeatedly missing a third frontline pacer, found themselves unable to maintain the pressure. On a pitch offering little respite for spinners apart from the odd rough outside the left-hander’s off-stump, the pair of Young and Ravindra easily guided New Zealand to a historic win.
The talk surrounding selection decisions, particularly the absence of a third seamer, would be a point of regret for India. Rohit Sharma’s decision to bat under challenging conditions on the second day came under scrutiny, especially after India’s disastrous first innings total. Under the overcast skies and testing pitch, New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Matt Henry with a spectacular 5-15 and William O’Rourke with 4-22, exploited the conditions savagely. Some Indian dismissals were due to exquisite deliveries, yet there were moments of weakness as well, leading to a paltry 46 runs, a score that severely impaired India’s position in the match.
Despite Devon Conway’s brief struggle in the second innings, his counter-attacking 91 in the first innings was pivotal to setting the tone for New Zealand. Although India regrouped to reduce New Zealand from 142/1 to 233/7, Ravindra once again rose to the occasion with a masterful century (134), the second of his Test career, in collaboration with Tim Southee, who added an invaluable 65. Their 137-run partnership fundamentally altered the course of the game, neutralizing any further Indian resurgence.
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Ravindra’s sublime handling of both pace and spin was impressive, showing his array of shots against slower bowlers. His innings, crucial in aiding New Zealand’s overall dominance, was complemented by Tim Southee’s aggressive batting, thwarting India’s chances of a comeback. This tantamount phase of play vividly underscored New Zealand’s pathway to success in this historic Test match.
With an enormous first innings lead of 356, New Zealand had effectively cornered India. Nevertheless, India mounted a spirited response in their second innings. A formidable century from Sarfaraz Khan (150), almost reached innings by Rishabh Pant (99), and a crucial 70 from Virat Kohli propelled India to an impressive 462. Rohit Sharma led the charge with an aggressive fifty, setting an assertive tone early.
Kohli and Sarfaraz’s 136-run partnership provided a solid platform before the dynamic stand of 177 between Sarfaraz and Pant put India on the brink of an extraordinary comeback. Their quick scoring, at nearly a five-run-per-over rate, swung the momentum in India’s favor temporarily. At 408/3, leading by 52 runs, India seemed poised for a momentous second innings transformation until the second new ball reversed their fortunes.
New Zealand’s pace attack roared back to life, with timely breakthroughs by Southee, O’Rourke (3-92), and Henry (3-102), collapsing India’s innings for an addition of a mere 54 more runs. Ravindra Jadeja’s struggle with the bat continued, and KL Rahul’s form remained inconsistent, ultimately leaving India devoid of a strong finish.
With just 107 needed for victory, New Zealand faced the pressure to maintain concentration and execute flawlessly. They did so with elegance, and it was fitting for hero Rachin Ravindra to be at the crease during the climactic moment, capping off a remarkable game with his critical contributions.
Ultimately, for New Zealand, seamers O’Rourke and Henry were instrumental, capturing seven and eight wickets, respectively, across the match. Their impact, especially during the decisive second morning, was crucial to this historic victory in the subcontinent. Brief scores: India 46 and 462 (Sarfaraz Khan 150, Rishabh Pant 99; William O’Rourke 3-92, Matt Henry 3-102) lost to New Zealand 402 (Rachin Ravindra 134, Devon Conway 91; Ravindra Jadeja 3-72) & 107/2 (Will Young 48*, Rachin Ravindra 39*; Jasprit Bumrah 2-29) by eight wickets.