Cricket: New Zealand win first Test in India since 1988

New Zealand have claimed their first Test win in India for 36 years, saluting by eight wickets in Bengaluru on Sunday.

It came off the back of a stellar first-innings bowling effort that restricted India to just 46 runs, but there was plenty of work to be done on a nervy fifth day to close out the victory.

The visitors had a target of 107 runs to chase on Sunday, beginning at 0/0 after just four balls were bowled in the fourth innings before bad light drew day four to a premature close.

Jasprit Bumrah quickly took advantage of the bowler-friendly conditions, swinging and seaming the ball around to draw 27 false shots from the opening 50 balls of the fifth day.

Just two wickets fell in this period, however, with Tom Latham (0) caught plumb on the second ball and Devon Conway (17) also trapped in front by Bumrah.

Man of the match Rachin Ravindra (39), whose 134 runs in the Black Caps’ first innings took them to a total of 402 runs, then combined with Will Young (48) for a match-winning partnership.

The duo put on 75 runs between them as NZ cruised to victory in improving batting conditions.

After the match, Indian captain Rohit Sharma defended his side’s effort despite the rare loss at home.

“It was a good effort in second innings with bat,” he said of India’s 462 runs.

“We knew what lies ahead, get as many as possible.

“Couple of guys stood out, was great to watch.

“When you’re 350 behind, can’t think too much. Just have to try and bat the ball and see where the game goes.

“Was exciting to watch partnerships get us into the game.

“We could’ve easily been bowled under 350, it’s something we’re proud of.

“I said it at the press conference after day one, we knew it’d be a challenge, with overcast conditions and tricky pitch.

“We didn’t think we’ll be 46 all out, but due credit to NZ.

“It set us back and games like this will happen. Got to take the good things forward.

“We’ve been here before, conceding home losses, these things happen.

“Two Tests to go, we know what it takes and will give it all in the next two Tests.”

Sharma’s optimism is reflected by top cricket bookmakers, who have India as heavy favourites heading into the second Test on Thursday in Pune.

Bovada has the home side at -250 to win, with New Zealand at long odds of +450 to pull off another historic upset.

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