Rachin Ravindra Leads New Zealand to Historic Test Win in India After 36 Years
Young sensation, Rachin Ravindra shined as New Zealand made history by winning a test match in India since 1988.
With a thrilling victory in the Bengaluru Test, New Zealand achieved their first Test triumph on Indian territory in thirty-six years. Rachin Ravindra and Will Young guided New Zealand to victory on the last day as they successfully chased the 107-run mark despite a hostile period from Jasprit Bumrah that threatened to alter the tide.
Match Scorecard
New Zealand 402 (Ravindra 134, Conway 91, Jadeja 3-72) and 110 for 2 (Young 48*, Ravindra 39*, Bumrah 2-29) beat India 46 (Pant 20, Henry 5-15, O’Rourke 4-22) and 462 (Sarfaraz 150, Pant 99, O’Rourke 3-92) by 8 wickets.
Match Analysis
With New Zealand having to fight hard to complete their first Test victory in India in thirty-six years, the thrilling Bengaluru Test reached the climax it deserved. Under cloudy skies, the ball seamed around noticeably, Jasprit Bumrah looked like he could take a wicket every other delivery, and the crowd called nearly every ball, but after things calmed down a little, New Zealand absorbed it all and easily reached the mark of 107.
After Bumrah hit Tom Latham with his second ball of the day, Devon Conway did his share of hopping around and taking body blows, but he refrained from playing loose shots. Will Young was the man who kept things quiet. When Bumrah eventually got Conway for 17 off 39 balls, New Zealand had already scored 35 and Conway was nearing the conclusion of his spell. By then, the fielders had saved at least 11 runs, thus they had done their part.
However, India was once again harmed by their incorrect assessment of the pitch. Young and Rachin Ravindra easily scored the final runs since they lacked a third seamer to take advantage of the circumstances.
In Bumrah’s bowling, however, it was difficult to predict where the next run would come. With constant movement off the surface, he drew 22 incorrect shots in eight overs. Though the ball pitched and nipped in even farther to get Latham, he might have believed he had the accurate inswinger covered. Although Conway believed he had the angle around the wicket covered, this one swung after pitching, started to alter its trajectory halfway to Conway, beat the outside edge and trapped him in front.
Now in his seventh over, Bumrah was virtually certain of victory when the first-inning centurion, Ravindra, hit two boundaries off the first three balls he faced. After steering the first one behind square, he got Bumrah to give him the uncommon loose ball—a complete one on the pads.
To set up the package, Young then paddled and punched Ravindra Jadeja for boundaries in his opening over. for lunch, not believing that the Bengaluru weather would hold, the two batters went for the spinners to put a pretty little bow on top. Even Mark Waugh-like was Young’s drop-kicked six off Kuldeep Yadav.
Despite a stunning recovery by India, which was bowled out for 46 in the opening innings, New Zealand managed to hold on long enough to win their first Test match in India since 1988 and only their third overall.
Tom Latham Praises Rachin Ravindra’s Calmness in Historic Test Win Over India
Rachin Ravindra’s poise and the young players’ outstanding play were praised by New Zealand captain Tom Latham for securing their country’s first Test victory in India in thirty-six years. Speaking following the game in Bengaluru, Latham highlighted the vital roles that quick bowlers performed as well as Ravindra’s poise under duress.
“It’s great that young men like Rachin are standing up. Particularly on the first day, Will O’Rourke and the other two bowlers we had, Tim Southee and Matt Henry, bowled with the new ball flawlessly. Latham remarked, “Considering the team’s historic accomplishment, it set the tone for the match.”
In both innings, Rachin Ravindra’s performance was essential. His century in the first one saw New Zealand take their lead to more than 350. In the second, after early wickets fell on the last day, his cool 39* helped New Zealand chase down a challenging goal of 107.
“It was important how he [Ravindra] handled the game circumstances. He and Tim Southee shared an amazing 137 runs in the opening innings. And when it counted most today, he kept the dressing room composed,” Latham said.
New Zealand’s bowlers once again grabbed control of the game, despite a strong comeback from India in the second innings, when Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant considerably narrowed the gap. India’s collapse from 433/4 to 462 all out, which allowed New Zealand to chase a respectable total, was largely attributed to the second new ball.
“Southee, Henry, and O’Rourke, our fast bowlers, kept up the pressure with each delivery. We were only chasing 107 thanks to their unrelenting bowling,” Latham continued.
Overall a great day for New Zealand Cricket, as their Women’s National Cricket Team went on to win their First Ever T20I World Cup Trophy against South Africa in Dubai. After Two back to back loses in 2009 and 2010 T20I World Cup, New Zealand finally made history at Dubai. Notably, it’s the only World Cup triumph for New Zealand of both Men and Women cricket teams; and four overall ICC title (One Champions Trophy, One Women’s ODI Cup, One WTC Title and One Women’s T20I World Cup).
