The cricketing world witnessed a riveting encounter between New Zealand and India, as the Kiwis secured a groundbreaking eight-wicket victory in the opening Test match held in Bengaluru. This significant win marks New Zealand’s first triumph on Indian soil since the year 1988, ending a 36-year-long drought. Reflecting on this remarkable achievement, New Zealand’s stand-in captain for the series, Tom Latham, expressed his elation, underscoring the challenges and key performances that paved the way for this historic success.
“It was extremely difficult,” remarked Tom Latham, encapsulating the essence of New Zealand’s perseverance throughout the match. The Kiwi side had to maneuver through a series of challenging phases, especially after having bowled out the formidable Indian team for a mere 46 runs in their first innings. Despite India’s resurgence during their second innings, New Zealand maintained composure and closed out the victory, etching their name once again in the annals of cricket history.
“This victory is truly special,” Latham continued, “especially considering it has been 36 long years since we last clinched a win here. The groundwork was laid with our performance with both the ball and the bat over the first and second innings, setting the stage for our success.” Latham emphasized the pride and joy within the team, attributing the win to an all-around team effort that deserved celebration.
One of the standout moments of the match was the 137-run partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee for the eighth wicket during New Zealand’s first innings. This partnership proved to be a turning point, stabilizing the innings and shifting the momentum in favor of the Kiwis. Latham acknowledged the significance of this crucial stand, explaining, “The game was aptly balanced when Tim and Rachin united at the crease. Their 137-run partnership was pivotal in the match’s context. If someone had suggested at the pre-game press conference that we’d be chasing just 100 on day five, I would have gladly accepted that outcome.”
Rachin Ravindra, in particular, delivered a sensational performance, earning him the well-deserved Man of the Match award. His scores of 134 and an unbeaten 39 were pivotal to New Zealand’s cause, and his captain was evidently thrilled with his composure and poise under pressure. “Rachin’s understanding of the game situation was crucial for us,” Latham praised. “His partnership with a number-nine batter exemplifies his maturity and talent, especially considering this was only his ninth or tenth Test.
. The way he maintained calm and instilled confidence in the dressing room was truly exciting.”
The trajectory of the match was initially skewed in New Zealand’s favor when India’s captain Rohit Sharma opted to bat first on a pitch that unexpectedly assisted pace bowlers. Despite this luck, Latham humorously acknowledged the pivotal decision-making that sometimes turns on chance. “We intended to bat first as well,” he admitted. “However, the conditions arising from the pitch being under covers played into our hands, giving us a crucial early advantage.”
Latham further discussed the complexities of decision-making around pitch conditions. “Choosing when to bat can be decisive. It’s about determining what’s harder—starting on day one or day five. The pitch deteriorated as expected, and we capitalized on the cracks that emerged, which helped our seamers extract the needed variations. It’s rare to win the toss and opt to bowl, but it definitely worked in our favor this time.”
The match posed its own set of challenges for New Zealand, especially during India’s second innings resurgence, but the Kiwi bowlers rallied to keep the game within reach. Latham applauded his seamers—Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and Will O’ Rourke—for their relentless pressure and breakthroughs with the new ball. Their skillful handling ensured India was held back from setting an insurmountable target, keeping the chase within New Zealand’s grasp.
Adding intrigue to New Zealand’s victory was the absence of their star batsman Kane Williamson, who missed the Test due to injury. Will Young seamlessly filled the number-three spot, contributing a crucial unbeaten 48 in the chase, leaving Latham pondering selection choices for the upcoming Test.
As New Zealand basks in the glory of this rare victory, anticipation builds for the next Test. With hopeful insights on Williamson’s potential return, Latham remains optimistic about tackling upcoming challenges with the same determination and team spirit exhibited in Bengaluru.