New Zealand made history on October 20, 2024, with a remarkable 8-wicket victory over India in the first Test match of their series, held in Bengaluru. This victory broke a 36-year winless streak for the Black Caps in India, marking their first Test win on Indian soil since 1988 and only their third in history. The result not only gave New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the three-match series but also reasserted their strength in the World Test Championship, delivering one of the most memorable games in recent Test history.
Day 1: Matt Henry’s Masterclass
The match began in dramatic fashion, as New Zealand’s fast bowler Matt Henry exploited overcast conditions and a moisture-laden pitch to tear through India’s top order. His lethal seam movement and precise line and length bowled India out for a paltry 46 in just over two sessions, the lowest total India has ever recorded at home. Henry finished with figures of 6 for 23, a career-best in Test cricket, immediately putting New Zealand in control of the match
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Day 2: Rachin Ravindra’s Dominance
New Zealand’s reply was equally impressive, with Rachin Ravindra’s batting stealing the show. His innings, a mix of rock-solid defense and fluent strokeplay, was a masterclass in handling spin and pace. Ravindra’s century set the foundation for New Zealand’s imposing first-innings total of 462, a score that put the Indian team under severe pressure. His ton was not only crucial for building a substantial lead but also sent a statement of maturity and technical brilliance for the 24-year-old all-rounder, playing one of his finest innings
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India’s Spirited Fightback
India’s second innings was a far cry from their first, as they mounted a determined fightback. Sarfaraz Khan led the resurgence with a stunning knock of 150, while Rishabh Pant played an explosive innings of 99. The duo stitched together a pivotal partnership of 177 runs, keeping Indian hopes alive despite a massive first-innings deficit. Pant’s fiery approach and Khan’s resilient century were the highlights, but India’s total of 436 wasn’t enough to prevent New Zealand from chasing a modest fourth-innings target
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Day 4: The Decisive Final Innings
Set a target of 107 runs for victory, New Zealand faced some initial pressure as India’s bowlers picked up early wickets. However, a calm and composed knock from Will Young (48*) and another fine display from Rachin Ravindra (39*) sealed the win for the Black Caps. The victory was sealed in just over two sessions on the final day, with New Zealand claiming a resounding 8-wicket triumph
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Historic Significance
This victory has numerous historical implications for New Zealand cricket. It marked their first win in India since their triumph in Wankhede in 1988, and only their third-ever win on Indian soil. For India, it was a rare home defeat, compounded by the fact that they had posted one of their highest-ever second-innings totals in a losing cause
. It also marked the first time since 2000 that a visiting team chased down a 100+ target in the fourth innings on Indian soil.
The Impact on the Series
With this win, New Zealand took a crucial 1-0 lead in the three-match series, making them the early favorites to clinch the series. The win also boosts their World Test Championship campaign, giving them valuable points as they aim for another appearance in the final. Meanwhile, India, known for their dominance at home, will look to regroup and come back stronger in the second Test, aware that they need to address the batting collapses that led to their undoing
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Conclusion
New Zealand’s emphatic win over India in Bengaluru will go down as one of their most significant Test victories. From Matt Henry’s devastating spell with the ball to Rachin Ravindra’s composed century, the Black Caps outplayed India in nearly every department. As the series moves forward, the pressure will be on India to bounce back, while New Zealand will look to maintain their momentum and seal the series with another strong performance in the upcoming Tests.
