In Bengaluru, Tom Latham’s New Zealand defeated the hosts, India, handily in the opening Test of the three-match Test series. After suffering a heartbreaking series defeat to Sri Lanka, the Kiwis produced a spectacular Test comeback on Indian soil, winning the match 1-0.
On the second day, with dark clouds hanging over the ground, cricketing action started after heavy showers on the first day prevented play. At the toss, Rohit Sharma made the right call and decided to bat first. The hosts were bowled for just 46 runs when the strategy quickly backfired.
With the help of key hits from Devon Conway and Tim Southee, as well as a century from all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, the visitors managed to score a respectable 402 runs. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav each took three wickets for India. Reducing the deficit was the first challenge for the hosts, who had an uphill battle. India’s top and middle-order batsmen shown some batting mastery in a similar pursuit.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma both made impressive half-centuries, but Sarfaraz Khan was the star of the show after he reached his first Test century and then 150. However, following a strong 99, his partner Rishabh Pant was unluckily dismissed and had to go back. The BlackCaps quickly destroyed the Indian tail and set out for a historic victory.
The tourists had an easy goal of 107 after Sharma and his lads were swept out for 462. Without any pressure, the New Zealand batsmen made flawless shots on the last day and won by an unforgettable eight wickets on the M Chinnaswamy circuit. India needs to get back together fast to win the three-match series after this loss puts them one game behind in the series.
New Zealand’s WTC standings show a substantial improvement.
Despite losing the first Test of the three-match series, the Men in Blue are still in first place in the World Test Championship 2023–25 points table. India has 98 points and a PCT of 68.06% after three losses in 12 games this cycle.
New Zealand, meanwhile, moved up two spots, giving them a significant advantage in the standings. With 48 points and a PCT of 44.44%, the BlackCaps are now in fourth place following this victory.
Also Read: Everyone’s on the edge of their seat when Sarfaraz and Pant are playing: Rohit Sharma
The tourists will try to improve their standings and contend for the coveted WTC final slot with two more Test matches remaining in this series.
Here’s the latest WTC 2023-25 Standings
| Pos. | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn | Points | PCT (%) |
| 1 | India | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 98 | 68.06 |
| 2 | Australia | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 90 | 62.50 |
| 3 | Sri Lanka | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 60 | 55.56 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 9 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 48 | 44.44 |
| 5 | England | 18 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 93 | 43.06 |
| 6 | South Africa | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 28 | 38.89 |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 33 | 34.38 |
| 8 | Pakistan | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 28 | 25.93 |
| 9 | West Indies | 9 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 20 | 18.52 |
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