The opening Test between India and New Zealand at Bengaluru ended in a historic eight-wicket victory for the visitors. This was their first Test win in India since 1988. New Zealand outclassed the Men in Blue in both bowling and batting. The Indian side succumbed to extreme pressure, particularly during their dismal first-innings total of 46, the lowest by any side in Asia.
The match was held at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium from October 16-20, 2024. It started with New Zealand bowling first on a surface that offered early moisture and assistance for seamers. Matt Henry took advantage of the overcast conditions, tearing through India’s top order. He finished with six wickets in a remarkable spell that saw India collapse within just 90 minutes of play. William O’Rourke was also impressive as he claimed four wickets. The Indian batsmen struggled to handle the swing and seam, with no player reaching double figures.
New Zealand responded with a commanding first-innings score of 462, anchored by a majestic 134 from Rachin Ravindra. The 24-year-old’s innings was the match’s highlight. It showcased his maturity and shot selection as he built a solid foundation for his team. Tim Southee contributed a vital half-century that extended New Zealand’s advantage. India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, toiled hard. Yet, they found little assistance from the pitch as the Kiwis posted a mammoth total.
India’s second innings saw a fighting response. It was led by Sarfaraz Khan’s gritty 150, his maiden Test century. Alongside Rishabh Pant, who played a brisk 99, Sarfaraz helped India recover from early blows. He gave the home side some hope. The pair put together a crucial 177-run partnership, which dragged India to a respectable 460. Such a result set New Zealand a target of 107 to win.
But New Zealand’s Will Young and Rachin Ravindra handled the chase with relative ease, showing composure on a track that had lost its bite. First, they saw off India’s attempts to make early inroads. They sealed the victory on the final morning with minimal fuss, reaching 110/2, with Young unbeaten on 48 and Ravindra on 39.
This win marked a milestone for New Zealand, ending a 36-year drought of Test victories in India. Henry and Ravindra’s performance was central to New Zealand’s success. Their ability to exploit India’s vulnerabilities in seam-friendly conditions made the difference. New Zealand’s consistent pressure on the field was backed by clinical bowling and confident batting. These efforts allowed them to maintain control throughout the match.
India’s loss has led to considerable introspection, particularly around their batting approach and preparation. The team’s decision to field three spinners on a surface that favoured seamers backfired. Their bowling attack lacked the sharpness needed in critical moments.
The reliance on Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant in the second innings exposed weaknesses in India’s top order. Regular stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma struggled against the opposition’s disciplined bowling.
Looking ahead to the second Test in Pune, India is likely to change tactics. Reports suggest a slow-turning pitch designed to assist their spin bowlers. The pressure is now on India to avoid a series defeat and keep their World Test Championship hopes alive. On the contrary, New Zealand head into the next match with momentum on their side.
Brief scores: India 46 (Rishabh Pant 20; Matt Henry 5/15, William O’Rourke 4/22) and 462 (Sarfaraz Khan 150, Rishabh Pant 99; William O’Rourke 3-92, Matt Henry 3-102) lost to New Zealand 402 (Rachin Ravindra 134, Devon Conway 91; Ravindra Jadeja 3-72) & 107/2 (Will Young 48*, Rachin Ravindra 39*; Jasprit Bumrah 2-29) by eight wickets.