In a historic achievement, New Zealand secured their first Test victory in India in 36 years, defeating the hosts by eight wickets in the opening match of the series at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. This landmark win, achieved on October 20, 2024, marks a significant milestone for the Black Caps, who last triumphed on Indian soil in 1988.
Match Summary
New Zealand set the stage for their victory after bundling out India for a paltry 46 – their lowest total at home. In reply, the visitors displayed a commanding first innings performance, scoring 402 runs. Rachin Ravindra was the standout performer, notching up a brilliant 134, supported by Devon Conway’s 91. They allowed New Zealand to establish a massive 356-run lead in the first innings.
India fought back in their second essay, scoring 462 runs, thanks to an impressive partnership between Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99), who added 177 runs for the fourth wicket. However, after their dismissals, India’s lower order crumbled quickly, setting New Zealand a target of just 107 runs to chase.
On the final day of the match, New Zealand began their chase under overcast conditions. They successfully reached the target within 28 overs, finishing at 110 for 2. Will Young contributed with an unbeaten 48 runs while Ravindra added 39 to his tally from the first innings.
Historical context
This victory is only New Zealand’s third Test win in India across eight series since their first encounter in 1969. The last time they won on Indian soil was during a match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where they claimed victory by 136 runs.
With this win, New Zealand takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and looks to build on this momentum as they prepare for the next Test in Pune.
Also READ: Virat Kohli completes 9000 runs in Test cricket; slowest to reach the feat amongst Indians
Here’s how fans reacted:
First things first. Well done NZ!
Impeccable use of helpful conditions on day 1. And then that amazing comeback with 2nd new ball on day 4. Deserving winners! 👏👏👏👏#INDvNZL— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 20, 2024
Well played NEW Zealand. A great test victory after ages in India #INDvNZ
— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) October 20, 2024
Scenes in NZ dressing room after first Test win in Ind since 1988! #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/ArFXDtHWt2
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) October 20, 2024
🚨 HISTORY AT CHINNASWAMY…!!! 🚨
– New Zealand won their first ever Test match in India in 36 years. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/mMLNLMtA2d
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 20, 2024
After 36 Years New Zealand won the Test Match in India..#INDvsNZ
— Adeel Shah (@adeelhaider018) October 20, 2024
NEW ZEALAND’s TEST WINS IN INDIA
IN 1969 AT NAGPUR
IN 1988 AT WANKHEDE
IN 2024 AT BENGALURU#INDvNZ #NZvIND— Abhishek Kumar (@abhik2593) October 20, 2024
New Zealand defeated India, they won by 8 wickets in Bengaluru.
Congratulations Kiwis on the win! 👏
Tough one for India but they will surely bounce back in the next Test in Pune. 🇮🇳👊#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/XVcVOqtqOt
— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) October 20, 2024
Fell – Believed – Fought Back!
Tested us in every way possible!
Come back stronger 🇮🇳#INDvNZ
📸 : BCCI pic.twitter.com/5q71hRUwTv— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) October 20, 2024
We have to give credit to #NewZealand specially #rachinravindra he was a star in Both innings.
Hardluck @ImRo45 and #TeamIndia
Comeback more stronger in next test.#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/JxuMHVjNts— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) October 20, 2024
History in Bengaluru! Will Young (48*) and Rachin Ravindra (39*) lead the team to a first Test win in India since 1988. Scorecard | #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/YBDYNql1nu
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 20, 2024
– India’s 4th loss at home in the last 11 years
– New Zealand played well and deserves credit#INDvsNZ #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/rCC17qNgK9
— Ash (@Ashsay_) October 20, 2024
A memorable fightback, but not meant to be 💔#AavaDe | #INDvNZ
[📸: BCCI] pic.twitter.com/Hw4LdrnKXv— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) October 20, 2024
Player of the Match: Rachin Ravindra #cricket #INDvNZ #Test #RachinRavindra #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/jYkKpZhmbd
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 20, 2024