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Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India faces a daunting task in their opening Test against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, needing to defend 107 runs to prevent the Black Caps from going 1-0 up in the three-match series. The question arises—what are the chances of India turning the tide against Tom Latham's side?

Historically, India has successfully defended a target of 107 or fewer only once. In 2004, at the Wankhede Stadium, Rahul Dravid's India bowled out Ricky Ponting's Australia for 93 in the fourth innings, securing a thrilling 13-run victory. The spin trio of Murali Kartik, Anil Kumble, and Harbhajan Singh was instrumental in that win.

Read More: IND vs NZ: Sachin Tendulkar praises Rachin, Sarfaraz for Bengaluru brilliance

India also achieved a memorable victory in 1981 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, bowling Australia out for 83 while defending 143. Against New Zealand, India’s lowest defended score was 188, back in September 1969 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. At the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, India’s lowest successful defense came in March 2017, when they bowled out Steve Smith’s Australia while defending 188.

Given these instances, while it’s not impossible, India will need an extraordinary effort to pull off a similar feat against the Kiwis.

Read More: IND vs NZ: Sarfaraz Khan knows how to put bowlers under pressure, says Anil Kumble

Here’s the list of scores successfully defended by India in Tests