At the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the New Zealand cricket team, led by Tom Latham, has pulled off a remarkable feat by securing a substantial first-innings lead against India. This historic milestone marks the first time since January 2012 that a visiting team has managed to gain a 200-plus runs lead on Indian soil.
Stellar Performance by New Zealand
The third day of the test match saw young all-rounder Rachin Ravindra and veteran cricketer Tim Southee shine brightly. Ravindra’s blistering innings of 134 runs off 157 balls, adorned with 13 boundaries and four sixes, was instrumental in propelling New Zealand to a total of 402 runs. The duo’s 137-run partnership for the eighth wicket was nothing short of miraculous, especially considering New Zealand was struggling at 233/7 before their intervention.
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Devon Conway and Tom Latham laid a solid foundation with a 67-run opening partnership, setting the stage for what was to come. Conway’s contribution of 91 runs off 105 balls, including 11 fours and three sixes, was a highlight of the innings. Despite India’s spirited comeback on the third day, which saw them reduce New Zealand to 233/7, the Kiwis’ late-order batting resurgence proved decisive.
Record-Breaking Lead
New Zealand’s first-innings lead of 356 runs is the third-largest by a visiting team against India on home turf. This achievement eclipses several notable records, with only South Africa’s 418-run lead in 2008 and England’s 380-run lead in 1985 being more substantial.
Indian bowlers, particularly spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, each claimed three wickets. Mohammed Siraj picked up two wickets for 84 runs, while Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin took one wicket each. However, Ashwin’s performance was somewhat lacklustre, conceding nearly six runs per over.
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Historical Significance
This significant lead is a rare occurrence for visiting teams in India. The last time India conceded a 200-plus runs lead at home was in 2012 against England at Eden Gardens. New Zealand’s achievement is a testament to their robust batting and bowling performances.
India faces an uphill battle to overcome this substantial deficit. The outstanding performances by Ravindra and Southee have set the stage for an exhilarating remainder of the test. With New Zealand firmly in the driver’s seat, all eyes are on how India will respond to this challenging situation. The outcome of this match will be keenly watched, given the historical significance of New Zealand’s first-innings lead.
