New Zealand secures its first Test win in India in 36 years, defeating the host by 8 wickets in Bengaluru. A historic moment for Kiwi cricket fans!
Sunday - New Zealand emerged as the first team to find its name in the cricket history book on Indian soil by earning its first Test victory here in 36 years as it defeated India by eight wickets in the opening match of a three-match series at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Even more so, this is New Zealand's third-ever Test victory on Indian soil, the previous one taking place in 1988 when they won by 136 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The win was a massive morale booster for the Kiwis as they have not won an away Test series in India in many years.
Opening Test: How New Zealand Stunned India
High hopes had surrounded the first Test of the series, for India was hosting it at their own den. But the game took a dramatic turn as the Indian batting lineup was razed to the ground in the first innings itself. Reduced to being bowled over for its lowest-ever home Test total of 46, the cricketing fraternity was shell-shocked as India saw New Zealand end up with the early upper hand of this contest. The visitors kept improving on the erstwhile upper hand by piling up 356 runs lead.
India fought back in the second innings with a modestly dignified total of 462, then set New Zealand a target of 107 to chase it. Under immense pressure, however, the Kiwis remained calm and won their first-ever famous victory inside 28 overs, still eight wickets in hand.
This test reminded everybody that Test cricket is such a game where one session can change the complexion of the game. It also showcased the Kiwi's resiliency and ability to adapt to challenging subcontinent conditions, often regarded as stern for foreign teams.
A Rare Victory on Indian Soil: 36 Years in the Making
New Zealand had earlier beaten India on Indian soil. That was way back in 1988. In that match played at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, the Kiwis won by 136 runs. That was a victory New Zealand cricket fans prayed to see in India for decades. Now, New Zealand has proven that victory can be theirs in India in the year 2024 as well, ending a long dry period.
New Zealand's Test Victory in India
New Zealand test victories against India in the past have been at:
Nagpur, 1969 – By 167 runs
Mumbai, 1988 – By 136 runs
Bengaluru, 2024 – By 8 wickets
Each of these victories holds special significance because, out of all victories, a Test match win in India is considered one of the toughest challenges of international cricket. Pitches and conditions in India are notorious enough to give many a lesser team a lot of problems when they visit there, especially for pace bowling and teams not used to playing in extreme heat and humidity.
This triumph gives New Zealand a strong advantage going into the second Test of the series. The Kiwis would certainly want to build on the momentum if they can salvage at least two more games in the series; it would be a different story altogether for the Indians as they have to break their winning streak and salvage their own hopes. The second Test is going to be very vital for both teams, and India need to win to keep their hopes alive, while New Zealand will look to continue their success and achieve a rare victory in India.
The excitement for cricket fans has only just begun as both teams have shown their strengths and weaknesses in the opening match, and everyone now waits for the second match to decide whether India would make a comeback against New Zealand or the latter would continue rewriting history on Indian soil?
Happy days are here again as the India vs. New Zealand Test series is about to witness much drama and action-packed cricket, so stay tuned for more updates.
