xtratime Logo

Xtra Time Web Desk: New Zealand recorded their first Test win on Indian soil in 36 years, defeating India by eight wickets on the fifth and final day of the opening match in Bengaluru. The Kiwis, led by Tom Latham, outplayed India in all departments, bundling out the hosts for a mere 46 in the first innings and sealing a memorable win on Indian soil—their first since 1988.

Chasing a target of 107 runs on the final day, New Zealand overcame a fierce bowling effort from Jasprit Bumrah, who took 2 wickets for 29 runs in 8 overs. Will Young, remaining unbeaten on 48, and Rachin Ravindra, contributing 39 not out, built a steady partnership, adding 75 runs for the third wicket. Their composed effort saw New Zealand comfortably reach the target in just 27.4 overs.

Read More: IND vs NZ: "KL Rahut should be dropped", Fans' angry reactions circulating on social media

New Zealand's last Test victory in India dates back to 1988, a milestone achieved well before most of the current squad was born. Remarkably, when spinner Ajaz Patel, one of the key figures in New Zealand's recent Test campaigns, was just a month old, the rest of his current teammates were not even born.

History in Bengaluru! Will Young (48*) and Rachin Ravindra (39*) lead the team to a first Test win in India since 1988. Scorecard | https://t.co/XVdWc5y2Qd #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/YBDYNql1nu

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 20, 2024

New Zealand has had only three captains who have led the team to Test victories on Indian soil. Graham Dowling first achieved this rare feat in 1969 with a win in Nagpur, breaking new ground for the Kiwis. Nearly two decades later, in 1988, John Wright was added to the list with a memorable victory in Mumbai. In 2024, Tom Latham became the latest New Zealand captain to join this elite group, guiding his team to a historic win in Bengaluru.

Read More: IND vs NZ: Sarfaraz explains about his “rain dance” which saved pant from being run out

India, known for their fortress-like dominance at home, were outclassed as New Zealand controlled the match from the outset. Despite efforts to recover, India could not recover from their disastrous first-innings collapse, a paltry total of 46 runs, which proved decisive in their eventual defeat.

For New Zealand, this was only their third Test victory in 69 years of touring India, underlining the magnitude of the achievement. Their last victory on Indian soil came in 1988 when the legendary Sir Richard Hadlee spearheaded the team with a match-winning 10-wicket haul at the Wankhede Stadium. Since then, India has been a fortress for visiting teams, making this victory all the more remarkable.

New Zealand captains to win a Test in India
Graham Dowling (1969)
John Wright (1988)
Tom Latham (2024)