In a stunning upset, New Zealand defeated India by 10 wickets in the first Test in Bengaluru, marking their first Test victory on Indian soil in 36 years. The Kiwis’ historic win was fueled by a dominant bowling performance that dismissed India for a paltry 46 in the first innings, their lowest team total at home.
New Zealand capitalized on their advantage, piling up 402 in their first innings to take a massive 356-run lead. India responded with a spirited second innings, overhauling the deficit, but faltered in the final session on the fourth day.
The Kiwis then chased down a below-par 107 in the morning session on the final day, securing their first Test win in India since 1988. The match witnessed several notable records being broken:
* New Zealand’s only third Test win in India, after 36 years.
* India’s second home Test loss in the same year in the last 20 years.
* New Zealand’s first successful chase of a 100-plus target in India in 24 years.
* Rishabh Pant’s unfortunate dismissal on 99, making him the third Indian batter to be dismissed most times in the 90s in Tests.
* India’s lowest team total at home, with 46 all out.
* The Indian team becoming the first to hit over 100 sixes in a calendar year.
* Virat Kohli reaching the 9,000-run mark in Tests, becoming the fourth Indian to do so.
* The 356-run lead taken by New Zealand, the fifth biggest ever by a visiting team in India.
* The 137-run partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee, the second highest for the 8th wicket or lower on Indian soil.
The victory was a testament to New Zealand’s resilience and determination, while India will be looking to bounce back in the remaining two Tests of the series.
