Three records made in New Zealand’s iconic victory against India in first Test

New Zealand secured an eight-wicket victory over India in the first Test of the three-match series at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday, October 20. Chasing a target of 107 runs, the visitors reached their goal comfortably in just 27.4 overs.

After dismissing India for just 46 runs in the first innings, New Zealand established a significant advantage. Although India mounted a fightback in their second innings, the Kiwis maintained their dominance, ultimately restricting India to secure the victory.

This victory marked a historic achievement for Tom Latham and his team, as it ended a long wait for success in India. With this win, the Kiwis take a 1-0 lead in the series and will carry significant momentum into the next match.

Here are three records made by New Zealand courtesy of their win:

1. First Test win for New Zealand in India in 21st century

The Kiwis celebrated a historic victory after a long 36-year wait, with their last Test win against India on Indian soil occurring back in November 1988 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Prior to this match, their only other Test triumph in India was in 1969, making their recent success even more significant, as they had not secured a single Test victory against India in the country since 1988.

2. Joint fourth-biggest lead taken by a vsiting team against India in home conditions

Following a stellar performance from the bowlers, the New Zealand batters complemented their efforts by scoring 402 runs in their second innings, establishing a commanding 356-run lead after their first innings. This remarkable achievement marked the joint fourth-largest lead ever taken by a visiting team against India in India. Notably, the West Indies had set a similar 356-run lead against India at Brabourne Stadium in 1948. The highest recorded lead remains a staggering 490 runs, also by the West Indies, during their 1958 match in Kolkata.

3. A visiting team chasing a total of 100-plus in India after 24 years

With a colossal 356-run lead after the first innings, New Zealand managed to bowl India out for 462 runs despite a fighting effort from the hosts. This meant that the Kiwis needed only 107 runs to win the Test in their final innings.

While they lost skipper Tom Latham and Devon Conway early, Will Young (48*) and Rachin Ravindra (39*) ensured that there were no more hiccups in the chase. New Zealand got over the line with eight wickets to spare.

This is the first time in 24 years that a visiting managed to successfully chase a total of 100 or more against India in India.