New Zealand clinched an unforgettable eight-wicket victory over India in the first Test at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, securing their first Test win in India in 36 years. After thrilling four days of cricket in Bengaluru on Sunday, the visitors held their nerve in difficult conditions to chase down a modest target of 107, completing their triumph in just 22.4 overs.
The dramatic win came after a scintillating fightback by India, who had been bowled out for just 46 in their first innings. With Jasprit Bumrah leading the charge and producing a riveting spell in New Zealand’s second innings, it appeared the hosts might force an improbable turnaround. However, New Zealand remained composed and capitalized on India’s misreading of the pitch, ultimately sealing the win.
A Testing First Innings for India
India’s first innings was a disaster, as they crumbled to a paltry 46 all out, with Matt Henry (5-15) and Ben O’Rourke (4-22) wreaking havoc with the ball. It was a relentless display from the Kiwi bowlers, who exploited the seaming conditions perfectly. Rishabh Pant, the only Indian batsman to show any resistance, managed a fighting 20, but the rest of the batting order fell apart under pressure.
Sarfaraz and Pant Shine as India Fights Back
In reply, New Zealand amassed 402 runs, with key contributions from Rachin Ravindra (134) and Devon Conway (91). Sarfaraz Khan, playing only his fourth Test, impressed with a patient 150, while Pant followed up his first-innings performance with a near-century (99), but India’s total of 462 was still well short of New Zealand’s formidable score. O’Rourke continued to make an impact with the ball, finishing with 3-92, but New Zealand’s resilience was on full display.
The Final Push: Bumrah’s Effort Not Enough
On the fourth day, India was left with only one option—to make early breakthroughs—and Bumrah delivered with an inspiring spell of seam bowling. He made an immediate impact by removing Tom Latham for a duck off the second ball of the day, before trapping Conway in front in a fiery opening burst.
However, New Zealand’s resolve proved too strong. Will Young, a calming presence at the crease, held firm, while Ravindra, who had already scored a century in the first innings, took the fight to the Indian bowlers. The pair’s aggressive stroke play against the spinners sealed the deal. Ravindra struck two boundaries off Bumrah in one over and added to the score with a couple of powerful hits off Jadeja, effectively securing the win for his team.
India’s decision to omit a third seamer in their lineup, and the lack of a plan to exploit the conditions with more pace, hurt them significantly. Despite Bumrah’s brilliance, New Zealand comfortably eased towards their target.
The Final Act
By the time the teams went for lunch, the target had been reduced to just 10 runs, and Young’s paddle-shot six off Kuldeep Yadav marked the finishing touch on a memorable day of Test cricket. India’s failure to capitalize on their strengths, combined with New Zealand’s solid technique and excellent bowling, gave the visitors their first Test win in India since 1988.
Scorecard
India (1st Innings)
46 all out (Rishabh Pant 20, Matt Henry 5-15, Ben O’Rourke 4-22)
New Zealand (1st Innings)
402 all out (Rachin Ravindra 134, Devon Conway 91, Sarfaraz Khan 150, Ben O’Rourke 3-92)
India (2nd Innings)
462 all out (Rishabh Pant 99, Sarfaraz Khan 150, Ravindra Jadeja 3-72)
New Zealand (2nd Innings)
110/2 (Will Young 48*, Rachin Ravindra 39*, Jasprit Bumrah 2-29)
Result: New Zealand won by 8 wickets.
