India vs New Zealand 1st Test: A Shocking Collapse, Stunning Comeback, and Historic Win
The Ind vs NZ 1st Test was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride for cricket fans! From India’s shocking collapse at 46 all out to New Zealand’s historic win, the match had twists, drama, and memorable moments. The game, played at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, saw New Zealand pull off a remarkable victory, becoming only the third team to win a Test match in India since 2013. Despite India’s valiant second innings comeback with Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant’s stunning knocks, the first-innings collapse proved too costly. Rachin Ravindra’s brilliant all-round performance and New Zealand’s fast bowlers made sure the visitors clinched an 8-wicket win, ending a 36-year drought of Test victories in India.
While the Ind vs NZ 1st Test will be remembered for New Zealand’s resilience and India’s fighting spirit, it also offered plenty of lessons for both sides. India’s top order crumbled under overcast conditions as Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke swung the ball beautifully on Day 1. In contrast, New Zealand capitalized when the sun shone, with Rachin Ravindra’s century and Tim Southee’s powerful batting giving them a lead of 350 runs. India’s fightback in the second innings was led by Sarfaraz Khan, who scored a classy 150, and Rishabh Pant, who narrowly missed out on a century. But chasing a small target of 107, New Zealand held their nerves and sealed a memorable victory. This match was a reminder that in Test cricket, even one bad session can change everything.
Ind vs NZ 1st Test: New Zealand’s Historic Win in Bengaluru After 36 Years
The Ind vs NZ 1st Test will be remembered as a historic match where New Zealand broke their 36-year drought and registered a Test win in India. Played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the game was filled with surprises and intense moments. After bowling India out for just 46 runs in the first innings, New Zealand gained control of the match. Rachin Ravindra played a brilliant century knock, and New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke, dominated the Indian batting. Despite India’s second-innings fightback, the visitors comfortably chased a target of 107 runs. This victory showcased New Zealand’s resilience and strategy, making them only the third visiting team to win a Test in India since 2013.
How New Zealand’s Bowlers Shocked India in the First Innings
New Zealand’s bowlers shocked India by bowling them out for just 46 runs, one of the lowest totals in Indian cricket history. The overcast weather on Day 1 worked in favor of New Zealand’s pacers, who bowled with great discipline and exploited the conditions perfectly. Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke led the charge, swinging the ball both ways and hitting the right lengths to trouble India’s top order. Before India could recover, five of their batters were already back in the pavilion with ducks. The fast bowlers bowled relentless spells and made life miserable for the Indian batters. This dominant performance in the first innings set the tone for New Zealand’s victory and proved how crucial bowling partnerships can be in Test cricket.
Sarfaraz Khan’s 150 and Pant’s 99: India’s Second-Innings Comeback
After their shocking collapse in the first innings, India bounced back strongly in the second innings, thanks to Sarfaraz Khan’s maiden Test century and Rishabh Pant’s aggressive 99. Both batters played fearlessly and counterattacked New Zealand’s bowlers with bold stroke-making. Sarfaraz’s 150 was a blend of patience, maturity, and aggressive shot selection, while Pant entertained the crowd with his usual flair and cheeky shots. Their crucial 177-run partnership brought India back into the game and put New Zealand under pressure. Unfortunately, Pant fell just one run short of his century, but their efforts helped India post a strong total of 462. This fightback showed India’s resilience and proved that even after a setback, they can rise and challenge the opposition.
Rachin Ravindra’s Match-Winning Knock: A Star is Born
Rachin Ravindra emerged as the star of the Ind vs NZ 1st Test with his match-winning performance. The young all-rounder scored a magnificent century in New Zealand’s first innings, guiding his team to a commanding lead. His innings was a masterclass in technique and temperament, as he handled India’s spinners with ease and played both defensive and attacking strokes beautifully. Initially cautious, Ravindra opened up as his innings progressed, playing some powerful shots, including several sixes. His partnership with Tim Southee was crucial in stretching New Zealand’s lead to over 350 runs. At just 24 years old, Ravindra showed maturity beyond his years and proved that he has the talent to shine in tough subcontinental conditions.
Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke: Heroes of New Zealand’s Bowling Attack
Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke were the unsung heroes of New Zealand’s victory in the Ind vs NZ 1st Test. Both pacers bowled superbly in India’s first innings, exploiting the overcast conditions and swinging the ball with precision. Henry’s ability to move the ball off the seam troubled the Indian top order, while O’Rourke’s height and bounce made life difficult for the batters. Together, they picked up crucial wickets and didn’t allow India to settle. Henry’s accuracy and O’Rourke’s pace created relentless pressure, resulting in India’s collapse for just 46 runs. Their performance was a reminder that even in India, fast bowlers can dominate if they stick to the right areas and use the conditions wisely.
India’s Batting Collapse: What Went Wrong in the 1st Innings?
India’s batting collapse in the first innings was the biggest turning point of the Ind vs NZ 1st Test. After being put in to bat under cloudy skies, India’s batters struggled against New Zealand’s disciplined pace attack. The ball was swinging and seaming, and India’s top order failed to handle the movement. Several players, including Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, got out cheaply, edging deliveries outside off stump. India lost five wickets for ducks, and before they knew it, they were all out for just 46 runs. Poor shot selection, lack of footwork, and overcast conditions contributed to this disastrous collapse, putting India on the back foot and giving New Zealand the upper hand.
Ind vs NZ 1st Test Stats: Records Broken in This Thrilling Match
The Ind vs NZ 1st Test broke several records and produced many historic moments. It was New Zealand’s first Test win in India since 1988, ending a 36-year drought. India’s first-innings score of 46 was one of their lowest totals ever in Test cricket. Sarfaraz Khan’s 150 was his maiden Test century, while Rishabh Pant fell in the 90s for the seventh time in his career. New Zealand’s successful chase of 107 was the first time since 2000 that a visiting team chased a 100+ target in India. Rachin Ravindra became the youngest New Zealand batter to score a Test century on Indian soil. These records added to the drama and significance of this unforgettable Test match.
Bengaluru Pitch Analysis: How Conditions Favored Seamers Early On
The Bengaluru pitch played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the Ind vs NZ 1st Test. On Day 1, the pitch was damp due to overnight rain, and overcast skies helped New Zealand’s seamers extract swing and seam movement. This made batting extremely difficult for India in their first innings. However, as the match progressed and the sun came out, the pitch flattened, and batting became easier. New Zealand capitalized on these conditions, with Rachin Ravindra scoring a brilliant century. By Day 4, the pitch offered turn for spinners, but it wasn’t enough to trouble the visitors, who chased down the target comfortably. The changing nature of the pitch made this Test match a fascinating contest.
Lessons for India: How to Bounce Back in the Next Test
India may have lost the Ind vs NZ 1st Test, but there are valuable lessons they can take from this defeat. First, they need to improve their batting against swing and seam. Working on shot selection and footwork in tough conditions will be key. Second, India’s bowlers must strike early when they have favorable conditions, as New Zealand did. They must also make better use of spinners when the pitch offers turn. Finally, India needs to trust players like Sarfaraz Khan, who have shown they can handle pressure. With two more Tests to go in the series, India has the talent and depth to bounce back and level the series.
New Zealand’s Winning Strategy: Key Takeaways from the 1st Test Victory
New Zealand’s victory in the Ind vs NZ 1st Test was a result of smart planning, disciplined execution, and fearless cricket. Their bowlers targeted India’s weakness against swing and seam in the first innings, while their batters capitalized when batting conditions improved. Rachin Ravindra’s brilliant knock and crucial partnerships were key to building a big lead. Tim Southee’s experience and Matt Henry’s accuracy made life difficult for India’s batters. New Zealand also showed mental toughness by staying calm while chasing a tricky target of 107. Their ability to adapt to conditions, maintain discipline, and back their skills helped them win a historic Test and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Conclusion
The Ind vs NZ 1st Test was a thrilling match that had everything—big batting collapses, outstanding bowling, and a heroic century from Rachin Ravindra. New Zealand’s historic win after 36 years in India showed how teamwork and smart strategies can help even visiting teams succeed in tough conditions. India fought back well in the second innings, but New Zealand held their nerve and sealed the victory.
This match will be remembered for New Zealand’s brilliant bowling, Sarfaraz Khan’s first Test century, and the records that were broken. As the series continues, India will aim to improve and bounce back, while New Zealand will look to keep up their winning momentum. It’s going to be exciting to see how both teams perform in the upcoming Tests!
FAQs
Q: Who won the Ind vs NZ 1st Test match?
A: New Zealand won the Ind vs NZ 1st Test match, making it their first Test victory in India after 36 years.
Q: What was India’s score in the first innings?
A: India scored only 46 runs in the first innings, one of their lowest-ever Test scores.
Q: Who was the top performer for New Zealand in the 1st Test?
A: Rachin Ravindra was the top performer with a brilliant century and key contributions from New Zealand’s bowlers.
Q: How did India fight back in the second innings?
A: Sarfaraz Khan scored 150, and Rishabh Pant scored 99, helping India post a big second-innings total of 462.
Q: Where was the Ind vs NZ 1st Test match played?
A: The match was played at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India.
