New Zealand’s cricket team has been a force to be reckoned with in the international arena. They have consistently performed well and have given tough competition to their opponents. However, there is one particular challenge that has been eluding them for over three decades now – winning a Test match in India.
The last time New Zealand won a Test match in India was way back in 1988. It has been 33 years since then and the Kiwis have not been able to break this jinx. This is a record that they would definitely want to change, especially after their recent performance in the first Test match against India.
The first Test match between India and New Zealand, which is being played at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, has been a rollercoaster ride so far. The Kiwis started off strong, with their bowlers putting up a good show and restricting India to a modest total of 318 runs in the first innings. However, their batting line-up failed to capitalize on this advantage and they were bowled out for just 165 runs in their first innings.
India, on the other hand, came back strong in their second innings and declared at 377 runs, setting a target of 434 runs for New Zealand to win the match. The Kiwis were off to a shaky start, losing their opener Tom Latham early on. However, their middle-order batsmen, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, steadied the ship and took the team to a respectable score of 197 runs for the loss of four wickets at the end of day four.
The fifth and final day of the match promised to be an exciting one, with New Zealand needing 237 runs to win and India needing six wickets to seal the victory. The Kiwis had their hopes pinned on their experienced batsmen, Williamson and Taylor, to guide them to a historic win. However, their hopes were dashed as Ravindra Jadeja struck early on day five, dismissing Taylor for 36 runs.
Jadeja continued to wreak havoc on the New Zealand batting line-up, picking up three more wickets and leaving the Kiwis reeling at 205 runs for the loss of eight wickets. The match was eventually called off due to bad light, with India winning by 197 runs.
This result may have been disappointing for the New Zealand team, but it is important to note that they put up a strong fight against the number one Test team in the world. Their bowlers, led by Trent Boult and Tim Southee, showed great skill and determination in restricting the Indian batsmen. Their middle-order batsmen, Williamson and Taylor, also showed their class and resilience in the face of a daunting target.
It is also worth mentioning that this is a relatively young and inexperienced New Zealand team, with many players making their Test debut in this series. Despite this, they have shown great potential and have given a tough fight to the Indian team, who are known for their dominance at home.
The fact that New Zealand have not won a Test match in India since 1988 may seem like a daunting statistic, but it should not discourage the team. They have shown that they have the talent and the determination to compete with the best in the world. It is only a matter of time before they break this jinx and create history by winning a Test match in India.
The second Test match between India and New Zealand will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, starting from October 8. This will be another opportunity for the Kiwis to prove themselves and end their long-standing drought in India. With the series currently tied at 0-0, both teams will be looking to give their best and come out on top.
In conclusion, New Zealand may not have won a Test match in India since 1988, but their recent performance in the first Test match has shown that they are more than capable of doing so. They have a talented and determined team, and with the right mindset and strategy, they can definitely break this jinx and create history. The Kiwis should not be disheartened by their loss in the first Test, but instead, use it as motivation to come back stronger in the remaining matches. As the saying goes, “where there is a will, there is a way”, and the New Zealand team has definitely shown that they have the will to win in India.
