At the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru India faces an uphill battle to clinch victory in the opening Test match against New Zealand. The opponent team requires only 107 runs to secure the win and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series.
Although the target may not seem daunting, history indicates that the hosts have managed to defend a score of 107 in the final innings of a Test match before. Throughout their Test history, India has only successfully defended a target of 107 or lower once.
This feat was accomplished in 2004 at the Wankhede Stadium, where Rahul Dravid’s team triumphed over Ricky Ponting’s Australia by a mere 13 runs, bowling out the Australians for 93 in the fourth innings while defending that 107-run target. The key to their victory was the spin trio of Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, and Murali Kartik.
After a dismal first innings in which they were bowled out for just 46, India had conceded a staggering 356-run lead. However, in their second innings, the home side staged a remarkable comeback, amassing 462 runs.
Sarfaraz Khan was the standout performer, scoring 150 runs off 195 balls, adorned with 18 fours and three sixes, making him the most valuable player for the Indian team.
Rishabh Pant, unfortunately, fell short of a century, out for 99 runs off 105 balls, dismissed by William O’Rourke. Matt Henry and O’Rourke each took three wickets. On Day 4, rain interrupted play during New Zealand’s pursuit of runs, leaving only four balls left possible.
Now with just 107 runs needed to secure victory and an entire day ahead, New Zealand appears to be in a favorable position.
Conversely, India will need another extraordinary bowling performance to turn the tide in their favor once more. Luckily the team consists of world renowned bowlers like Bumrah so this aim seems possible.
