New Zealand Wins Test Match in India After 36 Years

Shilpa Rajan October 23, 2024

New Zealand has defeated Team India on their home soil after a long wait of 36 years. Despite a valiant effort by the Indian batters in the 2nd innings, India still fell short, and New Zealand managed to win the game by 8 wickets.

Strong Comeback by India

India was bowled out for just 46 in the first innings. New Zealand then scored 402, with Rachin Ravindra hitting a solid century on his Test debut in India. After trailing by 356 runs in the first innings, the Indian batters came out strong in the second innings. They played with the belief that they could save or win the Test match.

Captain Rohit led from the front and was supported by Virat, Sarfaraz, and Pant. Rohit scored 52 before he was unlucky and got played onto the ball of Ajaz Patel. Virat and Sarfaraz batted through the 3rd day, but Virat also got unlucky and was dismissed on the last ball of day 3 after scoring 70 runs. Virat’s unlucky dismissal gave New Zealand hope that day 4 could well belong to them.

Sarfaraz, the Rising Star

Day 4 belonged to Sarfaraz Khan as he reached his maiden century, well-supported by Rishabh Pant at the other end. Both batters turned the game on its head, and India began to look in a commanding position. However, once Sarfaraz and Pant were dismissed, the tables turned again. Sarfaraz got out after a well-made 150, and Pant was bowled for an unlucky 99.

KL Rahul was again disappointed in the 2nd innings getting out early and the extended lower order of India including Jadeja and Ashwin also got out early in the 2nd Inning and as a result, India was all out for 462. A score that once looked like 600-700 saw a sudden collapse, and it was the Kiwis’ game now. William O’Rourke was the star bowler as he picked up 3 wickets alongside Matt Henry.

New Zealand Wins After 36 Years

Chasing 110, New Zealand had a shaky start when Bumrah dismissed Latham in the first over. However, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra secured the win for their team comfortably. They scored 48 and 38 not out, respectively, handing India a defeat after 36 years. Rachin was named the Player of the Match for his exceptional batting.

New Zealand also became only the third team, after Australia and England, to defeat India at home since 2012. India will look to bounce back in the 2nd game in Pune.