Ravindra Shines as New Zealand Outclass India in Thrilling Test

Image Credit: AFP via NDTV Sports (sports.ndtv.com/india)

The first Test of the series ended with New Zealand winning by a commanding 8-wicket margin in the 1st test match of the 3-match series. Both sides put up incredible performances throughout the match, but an Indian batting collapse and a superb bating effort by New Zealand’s emerging sensation Rachin Ravindra finally determined the outcome.

Rain Disrupts First Day’s Play

Rain ruined the opening day of the Test match, resulting in a total washout. But for the remainder of the game, the weather cleared up, allowing play to continue unhindered on the days that followed. The rainy weather in Bangalore was disturbing a little bit in the remaining days, but overall it’s not the result of being drawn.

India’s Struggles in the First Innings

Despite being all out for just 46 runs in their first inning, India, who batted first, faced an uphill climb. The unrelenting bowling attack from New Zealand made it difficult for the Indian batsmen to bat comfortably.
New Zealand responded by taking a sizable lead with a dominant 402 in their opening inning. To stay in the match, India had to put up a big second-inning recovery.

India scored 462 runs in their second inning after rebounding with far greater persistence. They had a good opportunity of controlling the game at one point when they were cruising at 408-3, but they were bowled out for 462 after a spectacular collapse in which they lost their final seven wickets for just 54 runs.
New Zealand had a target of only runs to win the first test of the series.

Ravindra’s All-Round Brilliance

The game’s best performer was Rachin Ravindra of New Zealand. The younger all-round player demonstrated his skill with the ball and bat. Ravindra struck an incredible 134 in the opening inning for New Zealand, which was crucial in giving his team the lead. Because of his overall performance, which included bowling stats of 0/30 and a vital 39* in the second innings, he was rightfully named “Player of the Match.”
With a target of 107 for the second inning, Ravindra’s cool-headed and collected 39* made sure that New Zealand easily chased down the score, ending at 110/2.

Updated WTC Points Table

New Zealand jumps to the 4th position on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table after an outstanding victory against India in Bangalore. India, who was once in the lead, now faces fierce opposition after losing important points. India is under more pressure to play well in the series’ next games after New Zealand’s victory moved them closer in the rankings.
The fact that New Zealand defeated India in the first Test serves as a reminder of how unpredictable Test cricket can be. As the series goes on, New Zealand, headed by players like Rachin Ravindra, is going to build on their momentum, while India will need to regroup and deal with their middle-order troubles.