India Vs New Zealand 1st Test Match New Zealand Won by 10 Wickets

In a historic encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, New Zealand clinched a remarkable victory over India in the first Test of the series, achieving their first Test win on Indian soil since 1988. The match, held in October 2024, saw the Kiwis triumph by eight wickets, overcoming formidable challenges posed by the hosts.

The match unfolded with unexpected twists, beginning with India’s decision to bat first under overcast skies, a choice that soon backfired. New Zealand’s pace duo, Matt Henry and William O’Rourke, exploited the conditions expertly, dismantling the Indian batting lineup for a paltry 46 runs in their first innings. Henry’s incisive 5/15 and O’Rourke’s supportive 4/22 left India reeling, as a flurry of wickets fell rapidly, setting a daunting tone for the remainder of the match.

In response, New Zealand capitalized on the opportunity with a commanding first innings total of 402, spearheaded by Rachin Ravindra’s brilliant century. Ravindra, adjudged the Player of the Match, scored an elegant 134, providing the backbone for New Zealand’s innings. His partnership with Devon Conway, who added a crucial 91, anchored the visitors’ innings, allowing them to take a commanding 356-run lead.

India’s predicament deepened as New Zealand’s bowlers continued to exert pressure. However, the hosts mounted a spirited comeback in their second innings, led by Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant. Sarfaraz’s majestic 150 and Pant’s aggressive 99 were the highlights of an innings that saw India posting a much-improved total of 462. Their 177-run partnership was pivotal, as it helped India erase the deficit and set New Zealand a target of 107 for victory.

The final day saw New Zealand facing India’s formidable pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah. Despite losing Tom Latham early to a peach of a delivery from Bumrah, the Kiwis remained composed. Will Young provided stability with an unbeaten 48, while Rachin Ravindra once again showcased his class with a composed 39 not out, steering New Zealand to the target with relative ease.

Bumrah bowled with venom, consistently threatening the New Zealand batsmen with his ability to move the ball off the seam. However, the lack of a third seamer to exploit the conditions and the inability of Indian spinners to make breakthroughs proved costly for India. The pitch, which had initially assisted the seamers, offered little support to the spinners, leaving the Indian bowling attack with limited options.

New Zealand’s triumph was not just a testament to their skill but also their resilience. They had come into the series after a disappointing performance against Sri Lanka, yet they demonstrated their ability to adapt and excel in challenging conditions. For India, the match underscored the importance of team composition and adaptability to conditions, as their decision to bat first and the selection of bowlers were brought into question.

This victory has significant implications for both teams. For New Zealand, it marks a historic achievement, ending a 36-year wait for a Test win in India, and sets the tone for the rest of the series, boosting their confidence. It also highlights the emergence of players like Rachin Ravindra as key contributors in the Test arena.

For India, the defeat serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need to address vulnerabilities exposed in the match. The first innings collapse was a stark reminder of the challenges posed by swing and seam in home conditions, and the team will need to regroup and strategize for the remaining matches of the series to avoid similar pitfalls.

As the series progresses, both teams will look to build on the lessons learned from this match. New Zealand will aim to maintain their momentum, while India will be eager to bounce back and reassert their dominance at home. The second Test promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams having much to prove and play for in the continuation of this enthralling series.