New Zealand achieved a significant victory against India in their first Test match win in India since 1988. The match, held at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, concluded with an eight-wicket win for New Zealand.
Rachin Ravindra, the player of the match, scored 134 runs in the first innings and quickly added 39 runs in the second innings. His performance was pivotal in guiding New Zealand to this historic win.Ravindra stated, “It was a nice wicket to bat on,” referring to the pitch where India struggled, managing only 46 runs in their second-lowest total in a Test match.
Ravindra attributed his success to both form and preparation. He said, “I guess it’s a combination of both (form and preparation).” He added, “As long as I have clarity of what needs to be done and I know what my plan is it’s great. And also having the choice of being able to move forward and back, wasn’t trying to take the attack to them but taking care of my positions which is important in this part of the world. Preparation does help. When you’ve got six Tests in a row you’re always looking to do something extra. Lucky enough it all worked out today.”
New Zealand needed 107 runs to win on a rain-delayed final day. Jasprit Bumrah‘s early breakthroughs created tension as he dismissed Tom Latham and Devon Conway quickly. However, Will Young‘s unbeaten 48 runs, supported by Ravindra’s 39, ensured New Zealand’s victory.
This win makes New Zealand only the third team to defeat India at home in the last decade, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series. Despite India’s efforts in the second innings, mistakes regarding the toss and their poor first innings total of 46 runs proved costly.
