Lagatar24 Desk
Bengaluru: New Zealand, led by Tom Latham, created history by defeating India in a home Test match for the first time in 36 years. The BlackCaps secured an eight-wicket victory in the first Test at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday. Chasing a modest target of 107, New Zealand wrapped up the game in the first session of Day 5, despite rain delays.
Rachin Ravindra and Will Young ensured there were no slip-ups, guiding their team to victory in just 28 overs. This win is especially significant as star batter Kane Williamson was absent due to injury.
Despite India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah picking up early wickets, including dismissals of Tom Latham and Devon Conway, the target was too small for India to defend. Ravindra and Young remained unbeaten at 45 and 39, respectively, putting up an unbroken 72-run partnership for the third wicket.
This victory marks Tom Latham’s first Test win as New Zealand’s full-time captain, following Tim Southee’s leadership transition. New Zealand last won a Test match in India in 1988 under John Wright’s captaincy, defeating India at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium by 136 runs. This was only the third Test win for New Zealand on Indian soil, with previous victories in 1969 and 1988.
Match Overview: India vs New Zealand – First Test Highlights
Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first despite cloudy conditions on Day 2, with the opening day being washed out due to rain. However, the decision backfired as Indian batters struggled against the Kiwi pacers, Matt Henry and William O’Rourke. India was bowled out for just 46 runs in their first innings—their lowest home Test total ever. Henry took five wickets, and O’Rourke claimed four.
New Zealand responded strongly, posting 402 runs with crucial contributions from Rachin Ravindra (134) and Tim Southee, who added a vital 137-run partnership for the eighth wicket. New Zealand’s lead of 356 proved decisive.
India’s second innings saw a brief resurgence, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli scoring fifties. Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99) took charge, but once they were dismissed, the Indian innings collapsed, losing their final seven wickets for just 54 runs.
New Zealand had little trouble in their final chase, securing victory and making their mark in the history books.
India’s road to the World Test Championship (WTC) final now appears rocky, with the qualification process hinging on future series, including the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
The second Test between India and New Zealand is scheduled to begin on October 24 in Pune.
