The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a miraculous victory in the first Test match against New Zealand, being played in Bengaluru. After finding themselves in a challenging situation due to New Zealand’s substantial 356-run lead, the Indian team has clawed their way back and given themselves a fighting chance to make history. However, disappointment lingers as they reflect on their batting collapse post the introduction of the second new ball.
At one point, India had the game under control with the scoreboard reading a promising 408/3. A commendable century by Sarfaraz Khan, who top-scored with 150 runs, spearheaded India’s batting lineup. Meanwhile, dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant played a pivotal role, falling just shy of his century at 99, which was a crucial contribution to the team’s total score. But that was the calm before the storm. As the new ball was introduced, the Indian batting order crumbled. The New Zealand pace attack, led by Matt Henry, William ORourke, and the seasoned Tim Southee, ravaged through India’s lineup, resulting in a catastrophic loss of their last seven wickets merely for 54 additional runs, ending the innings at 462.
Now, India faces an uphill task as they stand with only 107 runs to defend in the fourth innings — a target that’s eerily reminiscent of a historical game where India garnered victory in similar circumstances. Back in 2004, India defended the exact same score against cricketing giants Australia during a Test match held in Mumbai. On that occasion, the Indian bowlers showcased incredible prowess to bowl out the Australians for just 93 runs, sealing a memorable 13-run win which is etched as a glorious moment in the annals of Indian cricket.
To further encapsulate India’s capacity to defend low targets in the fourth innings, historical instances offer notable examples. Besides the famous 107 against Australia, India has successfully defended 143 in Melbourne against Australia in 1981.
. In Ahmedabad in 1996, they managed to secure victory by defending a mere 170 against South Africa. Another encounter against New Zealand in 1969 saw India defend 188 on home soil in Mumbai. More recently, in Bengaluru in 2017, they held their nerve to defend 188 again, but this time against Australia.
Looking back to the commencement of this Test match, the Indian squad endured a nightmare first innings with the bat. The home team crumbled under the pressure of twisty seam bowling conditions to post their lowest ever Test score on home soil—a paltry total of just 46 runs. Rishabh Pant emerged as a lone warrior, scoring 20 runs, while the young Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed 13. The remaining Indian batsmen dismissed meekly, unable to reach even double digits, displaying vulnerability that high-stakes cricket often exposes.
In response to this modest target, New Zealand capitalized by crafting a substantial score of 402, showcasing exemplary batting resilience. Rachin Ravindra led the charge with an excellent century, scoring 134 runs. Tim Southee, who doubled as both a bowler and batter in this game, added significant pressure on the Indian team with a vital innings of 65, forming a crucial 137-run partnership with Ravindra for the eighth wicket.
As the intense drama unfolds in Bengaluru, the Indian team and their fans find themselves on tenterhooks. Could India replicate the magic of 2004 and defend this slender target to claim a stunning win against New Zealand? The prospects of achieving this feat signal a potentially legendary addition to India’s illustrious cricketing history, akin to the incredible tenacity they displayed almost two decades ago. All eyes remain fixed on the Indian bowlers as they carry the hopes of a hopeful nation on their shoulders, ready to deliver yet another masterclass in cricketing resolve.
