When was the last time New Zealand won a Test in India before 2024?
Much like the rest of the cricketing nations, New Zealand do not boast a proud red-ball record in India. They last won a Test in India in 1988. Having said that, the Blackcaps are running the Men in Blue ragged during the ongoing first Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
After bundling out Rohit Sharma and company for a record-low total of 46 runs in the first innings, New Zealand have amassed a mammoth lead, arguably taking the prospect of a loss off the table.
Overall, New Zealand have played 36 Tests in India so far, beginning with a four-match tour in 1955. Since then, the Blackcaps have only recorded two wins in the nation, with India claiming 17 wins and the remaining 17 Tests ending in draws.
New Zealand's last Test match win in India came in 1988 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. They secured a 136-run triumph under John Wright's leadership, who went on to become Team India's head coach in the early 2000s.
The visitors had posted 236 in the first innings as Ravi Shastri picked up a four-fer. In reply, India recorded 234 runs, courtesy of Kris Srikkanth's 94. New Zealand went on to hand the hosts a target of 282. India were all out for 145 in the final innings, with John Bracewell picking up memorable figures of 6-51.
The bowling all-rounder, also the uncle of Michael Bracewell (currently present on the New Zealand bench in Bengaluru), was adjudged player of the match for his eight wickets and crucial fifty in the first innings.
New Zealand have recorded seven losses in last eight Tests in India
New Zealand played out a string of draws in the 2000s but succumbed to the rising dominance of the Indian red-ball side from 2010 onwards. From 2010 to 2021, New Zealand lost seven Tests in India, which included some with demoralizing margins, while just managing to draw one Test, in Kanpur two years ago.
The Tom Latham-led side are firm favorites to overturn the script after their recent whitewash at the hands of Sri Lanka. Rachin Ravindra's hundred and Tim Southee's cameo has helped New Zealand stretch their lead to 299 at Lunch on Day 3.