New Zealand wins the first Test in India since 1988, beating the hosts by eight wickets. This was the first time in 34 years when New Zealand won a Test against India at the latter’s home. The Black Caps produced dominancy in a rain-affected match in Bengaluru after trailing by just eight runs at one stage to defeat the hosts comfortably. The Black Caps needed to chase a target of 107 and it came pretty easily thanks to performances from Rachin Ravindra and Will Young. Ravindra, hailing from Bengaluru, truly played a gigantic innings in the match, post playing a tremendous century in the first innings where he scored a complete 39 not out. Cricket fans will remain stuck to the top online gaming sites in India in discussing this classic Test match.
Rachin Ravindra Takes the Glory
A real star for New Zealand was Rachin Ravindra. He scored 134 in the first innings and was crucial for getting the Black Caps up to a considerable score of 402. His composure, particularly against some great Indian bowling, was noteworthy. With a quick 65 coming from Tim Southee, his partnership with Ravindra added 137 crucial runs, ensuring New Zealand led the game. Ravindra’s exceptional performance ensured him Player of the Match and threw him in the center of New Zealand’s win.
Good Bowling Performances by New Zealand
But bowling was the key for New Zealand to set up their victory. The first day went completely blanked out, but on Day 2, the Kiwi bowlers did not let that happen on a platter and came out all guns blazing. Once again, the ball was the man on the show. Matt Henry took 5 wickets for just 15 runs, while William O’Rourke gave him solid support with a four-wicket haul. There was little answer from the Indian batters to the swing and seam of the New Zealanders, as they were bundled out for an astonishing 46 runs in just 31.2 overs. That outstanding bowling performance gave New Zealand a big early advantage in the match.
Collapse of India’s First Innings
India’s first innings turned out to be a disaster. They were skittled for their third-lowest Test total at home. Indian batsmen could not cope with the movement and bounce offered by the pitch. Matt Henry destroyed the Indian batting order with his powerful spell. In the whole innings, only two Indian batters have scored in double digits. The collapse set the tone for the remainder of the match and put India on the back foot from the very start of the game.
India’s Test, though much better in their second innings. Indians recovered well from the tail-end collapse in the first innings. It was the fight-back that was led by captain Rohit Sharma in a very competently-compiled 52. However, it was the contribution that Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant made to change the course of things in the game. Sarfaraz played one of his best Test innings to score 150, while Pant was unfortunate not to get his hundred after losing his wicket for 99. The stand of 172 runs by the duo brought India back into the game but gave them a slim lead. New Zealand bowlers proved to be a bit too strong once again as they triggered another Indian collapse with the second new ball.
New Zealand’s Successful Chase
Chase 107 to win: New Zealand lost the one wicket they were looking to avoid going down as early as they did in their first innings, but Will Young and Rachin Ravindra saw off any more wobbles. Young remained not out on 48, calm and composed, while Ravindra followed up his first-innings ton with a half-century of 39 not out. The odd couple took New Zealand to an easy eight-wicket victory. It was New Zealand’s first test win on Indian soil since 1988, and it was even sweeter that this one came without the help of its main batsman Kane Williamson.
Rachin Ravindra Impact
Rachin Ravindra batted significantly well in the match. There were signs that he could play a role of importance for the Black Caps and the handling of pressure in the two innings would not let him down. It was this partnership with Tim Southee that helped New Zealand gain an upper hand from the first innings. In the second inning, Ravindra’s calm approach helped his team cross the line without much trouble. He has matured so much as a player that for a young player in just his 10th Test, to remain consistent was no less than a miracle, making him one of the standout performers of the match. As fans followed the live cricket score, Ravindra’s performance truly stole the spotlight.
Positives for India Despite the Defeat
Though India lost the match, they have had a few positives going their way in the match. The former was marked by a maiden Test century from Sarfaraz Khan, whereas Rishabh Pant’s aggressive batting revealed just how dangerous he could turn out to be once again. The batting folded up before the first innings could be completed, but India thoroughly outplayed New Zealand in the second innings. Captain Rohit Sharma was glowing about the approach adopted by the middle order and made it clear it is going to stay this way, even if it means being one-down, where things get grim, considering the current form of the team.
Conclusion
The historic Test win by New Zealand in India after 36 long years will be remembered for the incredible performances of its all-rounders like Rachin Ravindra and Matt Henry. They played out a complete victory for their team with bat and ball both, beating India at Bengaluru. That loss was a setback for India, but the fight shown by its players sure promises much for the future, especially its young talents such as Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant. With the continued unfolding of the latest cricket news and updates, this test match is certainly going to be a talking point for years to come.
