IND vs NZ 2024: Tom Latham credits Rachin Ravindra, other top performers from side after convincing win in 1st Test

It was a day to revel for New Zealand and the side's supporters as they clinched the first match of the three-match Test series against India by emerging on top by seven wickets at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. It was a thoroughly dominant performance by the visitors as they were always one step ahead of India, who despite putting in a strong fight, could not force a result in their favour.

New Zealand's red-ball skipper, Tom Latham, who took over the reins of captaincy after the Black Caps endured a whitewash against Sri Lanka, was all praise for his teammates. He commended veteran Tim Southee and centurion Rachin Ravindra for their 137-run stand for the eighth wicket in their first innings, as well as the pace-bowling unit spearheaded by Mark Henry and William O'Rourke for their outing on Day 1 of the game.

"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 (Southee) put up ahead when the game was in the balance. He (William O'Rourke) 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," stated Latham during the post-match presentation.

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Settled the nerves in our change room with the way he came out and batted today: Latham

Latham was effusive of his praise for Rachin adapting into his No.4 role in as seamless a manner as he could. "Rachi is a young guy, who played Test cricket a few years ago, and he has slotted into a new role he is not
used to. Settled the nerves in our change room with the way he came out and batted today," added Latham.

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The 24-year-old southpaw was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match accolade for his batting display. Coming into bat with 72 to achieve victory, he did not go into a shell and instead was enterprising in his strokeplay to partner alongside Will Young to guide the Kiwis to a well-deserved victory.