The NZ vs India 1st Test loss in Bengaluru stunned cricket fans as India suffered one of their worst-ever performances at home. New Zealand, riding on a disciplined bowling display, bowled India out for just 46 runs in the first innings, leading to an 8-wicket victory. This match will be remembered as a historic low for Indian cricket, especially on home soil, and a proud moment for New Zealand’s Test team.
India’s Historic Collapse: 46 All Out
India won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision that quickly backfired under overcast skies. In what became a shocking performance, India collapsed for just 46 runs, marking their lowest Test score at home. The first-innings performance was dismal, as five Indian batsmen, including Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, fell for ducks. Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant tried to resist but couldn’t hold back the New Zealand pacers.
The NZ vs India 1st Test loss became inevitable after this collapse, with Matt Henry leading the charge. Henry took 5 wickets for 31 runs, while debutant William O’Rourke claimed 4 wickets, wrecking India’s top and middle order.
Key Moments of India’s First Innings:
- India’s 46 all out became their lowest-ever Test score at home.
- Five Indian batsmen, including captain Rohit Sharma, went for ducks.
- Matt Henry’s 5-wicket haul dominated the innings, while O’Rourke’s 4 wickets on debut stunned India.
New Zealand’s Commanding First Innings
In response, New Zealand’s batsmen dominated the Indian bowling attack. Captain Tom Latham’s gritty 154 and Devon Conway’s well-made 91 set a strong platform. Their solid batting helped New Zealand reach a formidable total of 402 runs. Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja picked up crucial wickets for India, but they couldn’t prevent the visitors from taking a commanding lead.
With the NZ vs India 1st Test loss looking inevitable, India struggled to find any momentum. New Zealand’s disciplined approach meant they took a massive lead of 356 runs, putting them firmly in control of the match.
India’s Fightback in the Second Innings
India’s second innings showed more resolve. Sarfaraz Khan’s brilliant 150 was the backbone of India’s resistance. Rishabh Pant also played aggressively, scoring 99 runs, while Virat Kohli contributed 70. Despite these impressive performances, India’s middle order faltered again, and they were bowled out for 462.
New Zealand’s bowlers maintained their discipline, with Matt Henry and William O’Rourke striking at crucial moments. As a result, India could only set New Zealand a target of 107 runs, which proved too easy for the visitors.
Key Performances in India’s Second Innings:
- Sarfaraz Khan’s heroic 150 gave India a fighting chance.
- Rishabh Pant’s aggressive 99 kept India in the game.
- Despite India reaching 462, New Zealand’s bowlers remained effective.
New Zealand’s Comfortable Chase
The NZ vs India 1st Test loss was sealed when New Zealand chased down the target with ease. Although Jasprit Bumrah took two quick wickets, dismissing Tom Latham for a duck and Devon Conway for 17, Will Young (48*) and Rachin Ravindra (39*) guided New Zealand to a comfortable 8-wicket win. This victory marked New Zealand’s first Test win on Indian soil in over three decades.
Lessons from the NZ vs India 1st Test Loss
The NZ vs India 1st Test loss exposed several weaknesses in India’s game plan. Their decision to bat first in challenging conditions backfired. Moreover, the Indian batsmen’s inability to handle New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack, particularly in the first innings, put them on the back foot from the start. Transitioning between attacking and defensive play remains a key area India needs to address.
For New Zealand, this victory underlined their growth as a top-tier Test side. Their bowlers, particularly Matt Henry and O’Rourke, exploited the conditions brilliantly, while their batsmen showed patience and skill to build a massive lead. New Zealand’s ability to seize crucial moments played a significant role in their triumph.
Conclusion: NZ vs India 1st Test Loss
The NZ vs India 1st Test loss will go down in history as one of India’s most shocking performances at home. New Zealand outclassed India in every department, showcasing a well-rounded team effort. India, on the other hand, must regroup quickly before the second Test, where they will aim to bounce back and prevent a series defeat
