Team India lost the first Test math of the three match series against New Zealand in Bengaluru. It was New Zealand’s first win in a Test match on Indian soil in 36 years.
It is a very rare occurrence that India lose a Test match at home given that they are so dominant on their home soil. India’s wicketkeeper batter, Rishabh Pant, thanked the Bengaluru crowd for the support despite their heartbreaking loss. He also said that he and his team will come back stronger in the next two Test matches.
Pant took to X and wrote:
“This game will test your limits, knock you down, lift you up and throw you back again. But those who love it rise stronger every time. Thanks to the amazing Bengaluru crowd for the love, support and cheers. We will be back stronger.”
IND vs NZ: Rishabh Pant got out for 99 in the second innings
Captain Rohit Sharma made a blunder after he won the toss and elected to bat first on a gloomy overcast morning on Day 2 after the first day was washed out due to rain.
The Indian batting order collapsed as they could not stand up against the seam and swing of the Kiwi bowlers in helpful conditions. Given the score that they had made in the first innings, Team India were right on the backfoot.
New Zealand scored 402 runs in their first innings and got a daunting 356 runs lead.. However, India batted well in the second innings, courtesy of a 150 from Sarfaraz Khan, 99 from Rishabh Pant, 70 from Virat Kohli and 52 from the captain Rohit Sharma.
They scored 462 runs in the second innings and gave a target of 106 runs for the Kiwis to chase. However, the Kiwis chased it down comfortably on the fifth day and registered a historic win on Indian soil.
