In a historic feat, New Zealand defeated India in the second Test match of the ongoing series at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, winning by 113 runs.
This victory allowed New Zealand to clinch the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, marking a momentous achievement for the Kiwis. Not only is this New Zealand’s first Test series win in India in 69 years, but it also makes them the first visiting team in 12 years to defeat India in a Test series on Indian soil.
An elusive triumph for visiting teams
Winning a Test series in India has proven to be one of the most formidable challenges for visiting teams. India’s home grounds have traditionally posed a significant challenge due to the spin-friendly pitches, intense crowd atmosphere, and India’s dominant record. New Zealand’s win is only the latest entry in a select list of foreign teams who have succeeded on Indian soil
West Indies: The Pioneers of Overseas Series Victories in India
The West Indies were the first team to accomplish this challenging feat, recording series wins in India five times across different decades. Their victories in 1948, 1958, 1966, 1974, and 1983 set a high standard for other teams to follow. The 1983 tour stands out in particular, as the West Indies dominated the six-match Test series with a 3-0 win and also swept a five-match ODI series, winning 5-0—a rare achievement that underscored their supremacy during that era.
Pakistan’s Narrow Victory in 1986
In 1986, Pakistan achieved a hard-fought victory in India, winning the five-match Test series 1-0, with the remaining four matches ending in draws. This closely contested series also featured an ODI segment, where Pakistan emerged victorious with a 5-1 scoreline. This historic win highlighted the intense rivalry between the neighboring nations and remains a significant accomplishment in Pakistan’s cricketing history.
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South Africa’s Memorable Win in 2000
South Africa made headlines in 2000 by sweeping a two-match Test series against India 2-0. Although India responded by winning the accompanying five-match ODI series 3-2, South Africa’s Test series win was a notable milestone, marking their first series victory in India. This achievement highlighted South Africa’s growing stature in the world of Test cricket at the time.
Australia’s Consistency: Four Series Wins in India
Australia stands out as one of the most successful visiting teams in India, having won four Test series on Indian soil. These victories came in 1956, 1959, 1969, and most recently in the 2004/05 season. In the 2004 series, Australia won two of the four matches, while India could only manage one victory. This win marked Australia’s first Test series victory in India in 35 years and showcased their dominance in world cricket.
England’s Five Series Wins, Last in 2012/13
England, another consistent contender, has secured five series wins in India, with victories recorded in 1933, 1974, 1979, 1984, and 2012. The most recent victory came in the 2012/13 series, where England edged out India 2-1 in a four-match series. This marked England’s return to success on Indian soil after nearly three decades, and it remains one of their proudest overseas achievements.
New Zealand Joins the Elite Club in 2024/25
With this current victory, New Zealand has joined the elite club of visiting teams to have won a Test series in India. The Kiwis’ 2-0 lead in the ongoing three-match series marks an extraordinary achievement for the team, breaking a 69-year drought since their last series win in India. This series victory is a testament to New Zealand’s growth as a formidable Test side and places them among the select few to conquer India on their home ground.