IND vs NZ 2024: India vs New Zealand, 1st Test - Who Said What?

New Zealand pulled off a dominating win in Bengaluru against the mighty Indians. Both sides were squaring off against each other at the renowned M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Notably, the clash was mostly a rain-marred affair with first day of play being abandoned. The cricketing action began on October 17. The Rohit Sharma-led side won the toss and elected to bat first in a bowling-conducive wicket.

On Day 2, the hosts batted for just 31.2 overs before being bowled off for a mere 46 runs, recording their third-lowest total in Tests. In reply, the visitors batted almost till Tea of Day 3 and posted a total of 402 runs, taking a huge 356-run lead.

India came to bat for the second time in the tie and looked confident to pull off a miracle. Both Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal started well and 72 runs for the first wicket. From there, the hosts saw some batting brilliance from their skipper before losing his wicket in an unfortunate manner. Furthermore, Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan tried to reduce the deficit, but Kohli also fell prey to an unfortunate dismissal.

 On Day 4, Khan and Rishabh Pant, continued India's pursuit with Khan bringing up his maiden Test century, while the latter walked back after a promising 99. The Kiwi quickly cleaned up India's tail and inched closer to a memorable. With 107 runs required, the action began on Day 5, and the tourists just lost two wickets but chased down the target with relative ease. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra put up a match-winning stand of 75 runs to take the side over the line and clinch a historic eight-wicket win. The BlackCaps recorded a Test win on Indian soil after 35 years and went 1-0 up in the three-match fixture.

Talking Points

1. New Zealand using conditions to their advantage

One of the biggest talking points of the clash was the visitors using the overcast conditions after being asked to bowl first. The Kiwi bowlers had a wonderful first session on Day 2 of the play as they bundled the hosts for just 46 runs,t making a huge jump in the game.

2. Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant's masterclass

Young Sarfaraz Khan and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant after being dismissed early in the first innings, proved their skills and talent in the second innings of the tie. Both put up a solid partnership and played their shots all around the ground well. Their partnership gave India a chance to be back in the game.

3. Rachin Ravindra's century

Left-hand batter Rachin Ravindra scored a brilliant 157-ball 134 in the first innings, helping his side take a huge advantage in the first innings in the game. Ravindra in his 248-minute stay, smashed 13 boundaries and four sixes. 

Also Read: IND VS NZ First Test: Top 10 Memes from IND vs NZ, First Test

Who Said What?

Losing skipper, Rohit Sharma said:

It was a good effort in second innings with bat. We knew what lies ahead, get as many as possible. Couple of guys stood out, was great to watch. When you're 350 behind, can't think too much. Just have to try and bat the ball and see where the game goes. Was exciting to watch partnerships get us into the game. We could've easily been bowled under 350, it's something we're proud of. Everyone's on the edge of the seat when Pant and Sarfaraz bat. Pant's was a mature innings, he's done it for a while, he played his shots too. Sarfaraz was very clear and mature in just his third or fourth Test. (46 all out) I said it at the press conference after day 1, we knew it'd be a challenge, with overcast conditions and tricky pitch. We didn't think we'll be 46 all out but due credit to NZ. It set us back and games like this will happen. Gotta take the good things forward. We've been here before, conceding home losses, these things happen. Two Tests to go, we know what it takes and will give it all in the next two Tests.

Winning skipper, Tom Latham said:

I think we were actually going to bat first as well. Good toss to lose in the end. We put the ball in the right areas and got the results. We knew India would come back at us in the third innings but the bowlers asked nice questions with the second new ball and got us back. The partnership between Rachin and Tim put up ahead when the game was in the balance. He has been fantastic at the international stage. Pace, bounce, ability to move the ball in the air and off the wicket. He was backed up by the veteran Southee and Matt Henry as well. We know the capability Tim had with the bat. Young guy, played Test cricket a few years ago and he's slotted into a new role he's not used to. Settled the nerves in our change room with the way he came out and batted today.

Player of the Match, Rachin Ravindra said:

It's a nice city, was a nice wicket to bat on, guess odds are in my favour. (Footwork) It's a combination of form and preparation. As long as I'm clear and know my plan, it helps. Know when to go forward or back helps, so does getting into good positions. When you have six subcontinent Tests coming up, you do extra work - indoors, put some mats down, or head out and do some training. Luckily, it all worked out today. Was trying to get a feel of different pitches, red- and black soil while preparing in Chennai, and figure out what positions I can get in and guards I can take to different bowlers. it was a great set-up there, got an open wicket, different wickets, nets everyday, net bowlers everyday, invaluable experience. Grateful for those guys putting it on. I try to be in good positions to be able to score, open up areas. Want to rotate strike too, not necessarily attack. Having family is emotional, phone starts blowing up, crowd too. Makes it even more special.