As New Zealand chases a modest target of 107 runs to win the first Test against India at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the visitors are on the verge of a historic moment. The last time a visiting team successfully chased a 100+ run target on Indian soil was back in 2000, when South Africa chased down 164 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
New Zealand, however, had an early setback on Day 5, as India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah struck in just the first minute of play, dismissing the New Zealand captain Tom Latham for 0 (6). Latham, trapped lbw by a brilliant delivery, could do little but walk off as the Indian crowd erupted in celebration.
India, having already bowled out New Zealand for 402 in the first innings and themselves recovering from a disastrous 46 all-out in their first innings, posted a fighting 462 in the second innings thanks to Sarfaraz Khan’s 150 and Rishabh Pant’s 99. Despite these heroics, New Zealand finds itself with a manageable target to chase.
With history looming large and the pitch deteriorating, New Zealand’s batters face a tough challenge. India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah, are in a perfect position to exploit the conditions, especially given India’s formidable record when defending small targets. The question remains—will New Zealand break the 24-year-old streak and chase down the 107-run target? Or will India’s bowlers pull off a dramatic win?
The last time a team chased a similar target was two decades ago, when South Africa’s successful run at Wankhede stunned the hosts. Now, with pressure building and one wicket down, the world waits to see if New Zealand can make history once again.
