New Zealand ended their 36-year wait for a Test win in India by defeating the Rohit Sharma-led team by eight wickets on Sunday (October 20). The match took place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, marking the first of a three-match series.
From the start, things favoured New Zealand. India’s captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first in overcast conditions, with a pitch that had been covered before the match.
The Kiwi bowlers capitalized on the favourable conditions, dismissing India for just 46 runs in their first innings. Although the hosts rallied in their second innings with a score of 462, the batting collapse on Day 2 proved too challenging to overcome.
The New Zealand batsmen supported their bowlers effectively by scoring 402 runs in their first innings, then easily chasing down a target of 107 on the final day to secure the Test victory.
You can watch the video of the celebration here:
Here are some fans’ reactions:
That's the first New Zealand win in India for 36 years 🔥
MATCH WRAP 👉 https://t.co/bdPOyNoDvm pic.twitter.com/fS8o9Yb4hW
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) October 20, 2024
A memorable win for New Zealand as they take a 1-0 lead in the #WTC25 series against India 👊#INDvNZ | 📝 Scorecard: https://t.co/Ktzuqbb61r pic.twitter.com/sQI74beYr8
— ICC (@ICC) October 20, 2024
A huge win for New Zealand in Bengaluru!
They win a Test in India for the first time in nearly 36 years, becoming only the third team to beat India in India in the past decade 🙌 https://t.co/tzXZHnJPJI #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/DRCdYfz7tI
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 20, 2024
IND Vs NZ: #NewZealand Records Its First #Win In #India since 1988https://t.co/wcbJPixuiI
— Timeline. (@timelinelatest) October 20, 2024
1St Test day 5 #Ind Vs Nz# : After 36 Years New Zealand 🇳🇿 Won First Test match In India, Rachin Ravindra Player Of the Match. pic.twitter.com/SX7S7xaKu2
— Vinod Bro (@VinodBro13648) October 20, 2024
IND vs NZ 1st Test: New Zealand defeats India after dramatic final day chase https://t.co/ipc0aYMEVX
— Financial Express (@FinancialXpress) October 20, 2024
India lost First match vs New Zealand in Bangaluru…..
After 36 years later NZ won a match in INDIA!!! #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/Mi0sFPC7u4
— Sayandip Bhattacharya (@Sayandip888) October 20, 2024
“Our bowlers hit the right areas and got the job done”- New Zealand captain Tom Latham
During the post-match presentation, New Zealand captain Tom Latham commented on the significant win, stating:
“We were actually going to bat first as well, so, it was a good toss to lose! Our bowlers hit the right areas for a long time and got the job done. India put us under pressure in their second innings but our seam bowlers came back again to get it back our way. Oh we definitely did not think that we finished it when we bowled India out for 46!”
He continued: “They are a top side, especially in these conditions and they showed that. But we were up to the task. William O’Rourke and Rachin Ravindra were indeed standouts, but Tim Southee’s contributions with both and ball cannot be overlooked.”
“Rachin, well, we’re happy that he is on our side. He settled the nerves today as well and batted exquisitely in the first innings!”
The second Test is set to begin on Thursday, October 24, at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.