NEW DELHI: New Zealand skipper Tom Latham hailed their eight-wicket victory over India in the first Test in Bengaluru, marking the visitors’ first Test win on Indian soil in 36 years.
After the rain-hit match wrapped up on day five, Latham revealed that New Zealand had initially planned to bat first as well, but the toss loss turned out to be a blessing.
“I think we were actually going to bat first as well. It was a good toss to lose in the end,” Latham said. “We put the ball in the right areas and got the results. We knew India would come back at us in the third innings but the bowlers asked nice questions with the second new ball and got the results.”
Chasing 107 runs on a rain-delayed final day, New Zealand lost Latham for a duck and Devon Conway for 17. However, Will Young (48 not out) and Rachin Ravindra (39 not out) stitched together an unbeaten 75-run stand to guide the visitors to 110/2, securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Reflecting on the performance, Latham praised Ravindra, who had already made a mark with his first-innings 134. “ Young guy (Rachin), played Test cricket a few years ago. They way he has played in the last 12 months and sort of slotted into a new role he's not used to.. he showed his class in the first innings. Settled the nerves in our change room with the way he came out and batted today,” added the skipper.
Latham also credited other key members of the team for their pivotal roles in the win, saying, “He (ORourke) has been fantastic at the international stage. Pace, bounce, ability to move the ball in the air and off the wicket. He was backed up by the veteran Southee and Matt Henry as well. The way he (Southee) bowled up top in the first innings probably the set the tone for us beautifully and we know the capability Tim had with the bat.”
New Zealand's bowlers laid the foundation for the win, with Matt Henry (5/15) and Will O'Rourke (4/22) bundling out India for 46 in the first innings—their lowest score at home.
Despite a fightback from Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99), India could only set a target of 107. New Zealand chased it down comfortably, sealing their first Test win in India since 1988.
The victory lifts New Zealand to fourth place in the World Test Championship standings, overtaking England and South Africa.
After the rain-hit match wrapped up on day five, Latham revealed that New Zealand had initially planned to bat first as well, but the toss loss turned out to be a blessing.
“I think we were actually going to bat first as well. It was a good toss to lose in the end,” Latham said. “We put the ball in the right areas and got the results. We knew India would come back at us in the third innings but the bowlers asked nice questions with the second new ball and got the results.”
Chasing 107 runs on a rain-delayed final day, New Zealand lost Latham for a duck and Devon Conway for 17. However, Will Young (48 not out) and Rachin Ravindra (39 not out) stitched together an unbeaten 75-run stand to guide the visitors to 110/2, securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Reflecting on the performance, Latham praised Ravindra, who had already made a mark with his first-innings 134. “ Young guy (Rachin), played Test cricket a few years ago. They way he has played in the last 12 months and sort of slotted into a new role he's not used to.. he showed his class in the first innings. Settled the nerves in our change room with the way he came out and batted today,” added the skipper.
Latham also credited other key members of the team for their pivotal roles in the win, saying, “He (ORourke) has been fantastic at the international stage. Pace, bounce, ability to move the ball in the air and off the wicket. He was backed up by the veteran Southee and Matt Henry as well. The way he (Southee) bowled up top in the first innings probably the set the tone for us beautifully and we know the capability Tim had with the bat.”
New Zealand's bowlers laid the foundation for the win, with Matt Henry (5/15) and Will O'Rourke (4/22) bundling out India for 46 in the first innings—their lowest score at home.
Despite a fightback from Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99), India could only set a target of 107. New Zealand chased it down comfortably, sealing their first Test win in India since 1988.
The victory lifts New Zealand to fourth place in the World Test Championship standings, overtaking England and South Africa.
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