New Zealand outclassed India, the number one Test side in the world, in the first Test of the two-match series today to go 1-0 up in the series.
Chasing a target of nine runs, Tom Latham and Tom Blundell took just 10 deliveries as New Zealand registered their 100th Test victory.
On Day 4, India only managed to add 47 runs as Trent Boult and Tim Southee ran through the Indian batting line-up in the first session. Tim Southee, by removing Jasprit Bumrah for a duck, claimed his 10th five-wicket haul in the longest format of the game. This was India’s first loss in the ICC World Test Championship.
Tim Southee was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ for his total of nine wickets in the match that setup the victory for the hosts.
Earlier, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and invited India in overcast conditions.
India lost five wickets on the first day before rain washed out the final session.
Ajinkya Rahane was the top-scorer for India in the first innings with a fighting knock of 46.
Kyle Jamieson and Southee picked up four wickets each while Trent Boult chipped in with a solitary wicket.
For New Zealand, Kane Williamson scored 89 runs but it was the last three wickets that created the major difference between the two sides.
Both the teams will travel to Christchurch for the second Test, starting on Saturday.
This post was published on February 24, 2020 4:18 pm