- The ongoing 1st Test between India and New Zealand at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has been nothing short of a cricketing spectacle. The match, part of New Zealand’s 2024 tour of India, has seen moments of brilliance, resilience, and shocking collapses. With just one day left to play, New Zealand needs 107 runs to secure a victory, but India’s fierce bowling attack still has plenty to say.
Let’s dive into the highlights of this dramatic contest.
India’s First Innings: A Batting Nightmare
The Test began on October 16, with India winning the toss and opting to bat. What followed was a horror show for the hosts, who were bundled out for a meagre 46 runs in just 31.2 overs. None of India’s top-order batsmen could establish themselves, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal managing just 13 runs off 63 balls, while captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli both fell cheaply. Kohli was dismissed without scoring, bowled by New Zealand’s rising star, William O’Rourke.
The collapse began early, with Tim Southee dismissing Rohit for 2, and O’Rourke following up by removing Kohli. Indian fans watched in disbelief as their team continued to crumble. Rishabh Pant, India’s wicketkeeper, tried to counterattack with a gritty 20 off 49 balls, but his dismissal by New Zealand captain Tom Latham sealed India’s fate.
Matt Henry and O’Rourke were the standout bowlers for New Zealand, with Henry taking 4 wickets for 15 runs and O’Rourke claiming a remarkable 5-wicket haul. The Chinnaswamy pitch offered some assistance to the bowlers, but India’s lack of application at the crease contributed significantly to their downfall.
New Zealand’s Response: Latham and Ravindra Shine
In reply, New Zealand made the most of India’s dismal first innings, piling up a formidable total of 402 runs. The visitors showed great patience and resilience, with their captain Tom Latham leading the way with a gritty knock of 154 runs off 293 balls. His innings, which included 9 boundaries, was a masterclass in Test match batting.
Latham was well-supported by Devon Conway, who fell agonisingly short of a century, scoring 91 off 105 balls. New Zealand looked firmly in control at this point, with India’s bowlers struggling to make breakthroughs. However, the turning point came when Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav applied pressure, forcing mistakes from the Kiwi batsmen.
Rachin Ravindra, the young New Zealand all-rounder, added a crucial 134 runs off 157 balls, showcasing his maturity in the middle order. New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals after Ravindra’s dismissal, but the tailenders added valuable runs to stretch the lead to a significant 356.
For India, Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 for 93 in 18.3 overs, while Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj also chipped in with key wickets. Despite the efforts of the Indian bowlers, the Kiwis’ massive lead put them in the driving seat.
India’s Spirited Comeback: Sarfaraz and Pant Lead the Charge
India’s second innings was a completely different story. Determined to make amends for their poor showing in the first innings, the Indian batsmen came out with intent. Sarfaraz Khan played the innings of his career, scoring a magnificent 150 off 195 balls. His century was not only his first in international cricket but also a crucial knock that resurrected India’s chances in the match.
Rishabh Pant, too, was in scintillating form, smashing a quickfire 99 off 105 deliveries. His aggressive approach kept the scoreboard ticking and put pressure back on the New Zealand bowlers. Pant’s innings, though agonisingly short of a century, included 9 boundaries and 5 towering sixes, including a 107-metre maximum that sailed out of the stadium.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma provided solid starts, contributing 35 and 52 runs respectively, while Virat Kohli made a composed 70 before being dismissed. The Indian innings saw a much-needed fightback, with the middle order finally stepping up. India eventually posted 462 all out, leaving New Zealand a target of 107 runs to win the match.
The New Zealand bowlers, though effective, found it hard to contain the Indian batsmen this time around. Matt Henry finished with figures of 3 for 104, and William O’Rourke impressed once again, taking 3 for 93. Ajaz Patel also took 2 wickets, but New Zealand’s bowlers were made to work hard for their rewards.
With just 107 runs required for victory, New Zealand are favourites heading into the final day of the match. However, cricket is a game of uncertainties, and India’s bowlers will be giving their all to snatch an improbable win. For fans of both teams, the final day promises to be an edge-of-the-seat affair.
This Test match, with its twists and turns, has reminded us why we love the longest format of the game. Whether it’s Sarfaraz Khan’s gritty century, Rishabh Pant’s explosive hitting, or Tom Latham’s composed leadership, this match has delivered moments to remember .