IND vs NZ 2024: India vs New Zealand, 1st Test – Who Said What?

New Zealand defeated the powerful Indians in Bengaluru with a resounding victory. The famous M Chinnaswamy Stadium was the venue for the match between the two teams. Notably, the first day of play was canceled due to the rain, making the match largely a rain-soaked affair. On October 17, cricket activity started. In a wicket that was conducive to bowling, the team captained by Rohit Sharma chose to bat first after winning the toss.

The hosts scored their third-lowest total in Test history on Day 2 after batting for just 31.2 overs before getting bowled out for a pittance of 46 runs. The visitors responded by batting nearly till the third day’s tea break and scoring 402 runs, giving them a commanding 356-run lead.

India appeared hopeful that they could perform a miracle when they batted for the second time in the match. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma both got off to strong starts, scoring 72 runs for the first wicket. After that, the hosts witnessed some outstanding batting from their captain before he regrettably lost his wicket. Additionally, Sarfaraz Khan and Virat Kohli attempted to close the gap, but Kohli was also unfortunate to be dismissed.

On Day 4, Rishabh Pant and Khan resumed India’s chase, with the latter walking back after a promising 99 and Khan reaching his first Test century. India’s tail was swiftly cleaned up by the Kiwi, who edged closer to making it unforgettable. On Day 5, the action started with 107 runs needed, and the tourists easily chased down the goal despite losing only two wickets.

Also Read: Can India do a Wankhede against New Zealand by defending 107 runs in Bengaluru?

A remarkable eight-wicket victory was achieved by the team thanks to a 75-run partnership between Will Young and Rachin Ravindra. After 35 years, the BlackCaps won a Test match on Indian soil, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Talking Points

1. New Zealand using conditions to their advantage

After being requested to bowl first, the visitors’ use of the cloudy circumstances became one of the main talking points of the match. The Kiwi bowlers made a major leap in the game on Day 2 of the match by burying the hosts for only 46 runs in a fantastic opening session.

2. Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant’s masterclass

In the second innings of the match, young Sarfaraz Khan and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant demonstrated their abilities after being removed early in the first innings. Both maintained a strong partnership and executed their shots efficiently over the field. Their collaboration offered India a chance to return to the match.

3. Rachin Ravindra’s century

With a spectacular 157-ball 134 in the first innings, left-hander Rachin Ravindra gave his team a significant lead early in the match. Ravindra hit four sixes and thirteen boundaries throughout his 248-minute stint.

Who Said What?

Losing skipper, Rohit Sharma said:

It was a good effort in second innings with bat. We knew what lies ahead, get as many as possible. Couple of guys stood out, was great to watch. When you’re 350 behind, can’t think too much. Just have to try and bat the ball and see where the game goes. Was exciting to watch partnerships get us into the game. We could’ve easily been bowled under 350, it’s something we’re proud of. Everyone’s on the edge of the seat when Pant and Sarfaraz bat. Pant’s was a mature innings, he’s done it for a while, he played his shots too.

Sarfaraz was very clear and mature in just his third or fourth Test. (46 all out) I said it at the press conference after day 1, we knew it’d be a challenge, with overcast conditions and tricky pitch. We didn’t think we’ll be 46 all out but due credit to NZ. It set us back and games like this will happen. Gotta take the good things forward. We’ve been here before, conceding home losses, these things happen. Two Tests to go, we know what it takes and will give it all in the next two Tests.

Winning skipper, Tom Latham said:

I think we were actually going to bat first as well. Good toss to lose in the end. We put the ball in the right areas and got the results. We knew India would come back at us in the third innings but the bowlers asked nice questions with the second new ball and got us back. The partnership between Rachin and Tim put up ahead when the game was in the balance. He has been fantastic at the international stage. Pace, bounce, ability to move the ball in the air and off the wicket.

He was backed up by the veteran Southee and Matt Henry as well. We know the capability Tim had with the bat. Young guy, played Test cricket a few years ago and he’s slotted into a new role he’s not used to. Settled the nerves in our change room with the way he came out and batted today.

Player of the Match, Rachin Ravindra said:

It’s a nice city, was a nice wicket to bat on, guess odds are in my favour. (Footwork) It’s a combination of form and preparation. As long as I’m clear and know my plan, it helps. Know when to go forward or back helps, so does getting into good positions. When you have six subcontinent Tests coming up, you do extra work – indoors, put some mats down, or head out and do some training. Luckily, it all worked out today. Was trying to get a feel of different pitches, red- and black soil while preparing in Chennai, and figure out what positions I can get in and guards I can take to different bowlers.

it was a great set-up there, got an open wicket, different wickets, nets everyday, net bowlers everyday, invaluable experience. Grateful for those guys putting it on. I try to be in good positions to be able to score, open up areas. Want to rotate strike too, not necessarily attack. Having family is emotional, phone starts blowing up, crowd too. Makes it even more special.