of New Zealand victory over India in the first Test at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has reignited discussions about India’s past defeats against the Black Caps on home soil.
Times when India lost a Test at home against New Zealand
A dominant force in Test cricket, India have lost to New Zealand at home only three times. Here’s a look at those cases:
1) Nagpur, October 1969: New Zealand win by 167 runs
In a remarkable performance, New Zealand secured India’s first Test win in Nagpur. The Kiwis posted a formidable total of 314 runs in their first innings, with contributions from their top-order batsmen. In reply, India managed just 257 runs. During their second innings, they put 214 on the scoreboard, setting India a target of 277 runs. However, India could only manage 109 runs, giving New Zealand a comprehensive victory by 167 runs. This match marked an important milestone as it was New Zealand’s first Test win on Indian soil.
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2) Mumbai, November 1988: New Zealand win by 136 runs
The second defeat came in Mumbai when New Zealand triumphed by 136 runs at the Wankhede Stadium. Set a target of 282, the New Zealand bowlers showed their mettle, dismissing India for just 145 in their second innings. Bowling all-rounder Jony Bracewell was adjudged Man of the Match for his haul of 8 wickets and 82 runs in the second Test of the series.
3) Bengaluru, 2024: New Zealand win by 8 wickets
India suffered their latest defeat against New Zealand during the first Test of the ongoing series. After bowling India out for a record 46 runs in the first innings, the Black Caps took a commanding lead with their total of 402. Despite India counter-attacking in the second innings with a score of 462, they set a target of just 107 for New Zealand, which was was successfully chased down within 28 overs for the loss of 2 wickets.
The win in Bengaluru not only ended New Zealand’s 36-year long wait for a Test victory in India, but also serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of cricket between these two teams.
