New Zealand created history in Bengaluru on Sunday after defeating India by 8 wickets in a rain-interrupted test match. This victory marks New Zealand’s first test win in India after 36 years. The first test match of the series began with a nightmare for India, as they were bundled out for just 46 (their lowest total in tests at home) after deciding to bat first on a cloudy morning. New Zealand took full advantage of the overcast conditions on the morning of the second day (the first day of the match was washed out by rain), as they needed just three bowlers and 31.2 overs to wrap up the first innings of India.
After the New Zealand bowlers, batters took responsibility on their shoulders (by scoring 402 runs in the 1st innings) to push India into such a situation where making a comeback became almost impossible. Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee made sure that India didn’t bounce back by forming a 137-run stand for the 8th wicket. India got into a 356 deficit based on both teams’ first innings but did well in the second inning to cover up such a huge lead, and set a 107-run target, by scoring 462 runs. Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant were the stars of India’s second innings, scoring 150 and 99 runs, respectively. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma also played their part brilliantly by scoring fifties. However, the target of 108 proved to be not enough to hold up the Kiwis, as they chased down the target on the last day of the test match for the loss of just two wickets.
Rachin Ravindra was named player of the match in the Bengaluru test for his fluent knock of 134 in the first innings and nerve-settling innings of 39* to chase down the target on the last day.
Player
Team
Score
Rachin Ravindra
New Zealand
134 & 39*
Most Runs: IND vs NZ 1st Test
Young Kiwi all-rounder Rachin Ravindra was the highest scorer in the 1st test match between India and New Zealand.
Player
Team
Score
Rachin Ravindra
New Zealand
134 & 39*
Most Wickets: IND vs NZ 1st Test
New Zealand’s right-arm medium pacer Matt Henry proved to be the most lethal bowler in the 1st Ind vs NZ Test match. Henry registered a bowling figure of 5/15 in the first inning and 3/102 in the second inning.
Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchel, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William O’Rourke
Vishal is a passionate cricket enthusiast and experienced writer with a deep love for the game. With years of following international and domestic cricket, he brings insightful analysis, engaging match reports, and in-depth player profiles to readers. His work blends a keen understanding of the sport's technical aspects with a love for storytelling, making each piece a must-read for cricket fans.
After a prolific domestic cricketing career in Australia, Moises Henriques has retired from his stint with the Sydney Sixers and New South Wales (NSW). Nonetheless, the seasoned all-rounder has not bid goodbye to the sport yet as he continues...
Cricket Australia is edging towards holding the first game of the 2026-27 Big Bash League (BBL) season in India, with MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai emerging as the favourite venue. The legendary ground, which is the home of Chennai...
Australia returned to the top of women's T20 cricket by defeating England in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final at Lord's, securing a comfortable victory to claim their record-extending seventh title. The Australians had been defeated in...
Enjoy exclusive access to all of our content
Get an online subscription and you can unlock any article you come across.
