In a historic clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, New Zealand achieved a monumental victory over India in the first Test of the 2024 series, marking their first Test win on Indian soil in 36 years.
From Rachin Ravindra’s stellar batting performance to India’s struggles with their bowling strategy and the implications for both teams moving forward, here are three key talking points from this historic Test match.
1. Historic Victory After 36 Years
New Zealand’s triumph by eight wickets in Bengaluru marks their first Test win in India since 1988, breaking a 36-year drought.
This victory is monumental, as it not only highlights New Zealand’s resilience but also underscores the challenges visiting teams face in India.
The last time New Zealand celebrated a Test win on Indian soil was when they defeated India by 136 runs at the Wankhede Stadium.
This win is only their third Test victory in India, with previous wins occurring in Nagpur (1969) and Mumbai (1988).
2. Bowling Dominance Sets the Tone
The foundation for New Zealand’s success was laid by their bowlers, who delivered a remarkable performance in India’s first innings, bundling them out for just 46 runs—the lowest total for India at home.
Matt Henry and William O’Rourke were outstanding, taking five and four wickets, respectively.
This early collapse set the tone for the match, allowing New Zealand to take a commanding lead with their first innings score of 402.
India’s inability to recover from this disastrous start proved decisive in the outcome of the match.
3. Strong Chase Despite Early Wobbles
Chasing a modest target of 107 runs on the final day, New Zealand faced some initial pressure from Jasprit Bumrah, who took two wickets early on.
However, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra steadied the ship with a crucial partnership of 75 runs for the third wicket, ultimately guiding their team to victory in just 27.4 overs.
Young remained unbeaten on 48, while Ravindra contributed 39 not out, showcasing their composure under pressure.
This ability to chase down a target despite early setbacks reflects New Zealand’s mental strength and adaptability.
