New Zealand registered a historic victory over India in the first Test in Bengaluru on Sunday (October 20), taking a crucial 1-0 lead in the three-match series. This win was particularly significant as it marked New Zealand’s first Test victory on Indian soil since 1988. The match witnessed an incredible performance from New Zealand’s bowlers, who skittled India out for a meager 46 runs in their first innings.
New Zealand’s triumph and India’s setback in Bengaluru
Matt Henry led the charge with a fiery spell, claiming 5/15 and exploiting the Indian conditions to perfection. In response, New Zealand capitalized on their advantage, with Rachin Ravindra playing a sublime knock of 134. His century, along with a late cameo of 65 from Tim Southee, helped New Zealand post a mammoth total of 402, putting India under immense pressure. India’s second innings saw a spirited fightback, largely due to Sarfaraz Khan’s valiant 150 and Rishabh Pant’s aggressive 99.
However, the second new ball, expertly handled by Henry and William O’Rourke, swung the momentum back in New Zealand’s favour, limiting India’s lead to just 106. On day five, New Zealand chased down the modest target of 107 with ease, thanks to a composed 48 from Will Young and an unbeaten 39 from Ravindra. The victory gave New Zealand not only a historic Test win but also a significant psychological edge in the series.
India’s and New Zealand’s positions in WTC 2023-25 points table
This defeat has had notable implications for India’s position in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings. India’s points percentage (PCT) dropped from 74.24 to 68.05, reducing their lead at the top of the WTC table. Despite the loss, India remains in the number one spot, but their margin over second-placed Australia has been slashed to just 5.5 percent.
Both teams have an identical record in terms of victories, defeats, and draws; nevertheless, Australia’s PCT stands at 62.5 due to over-rate penalties that have resulted in point deductions. On the other hand, New Zealand’s impressive win saw them jump from 37.50 percent to 44.44 percent, propelling them to fourth place in the standings. This surge in their PCT allowed them to leapfrog both South Africa and England. While Sri Lanka remains comfortably in third place with 55.56 percent, New Zealand’s improved standing keeps them well within reach of a potential WTC final berth.
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India’s qualification scenarios for the WTC final
India’s road to the WTC final has become increasingly challenging after the loss to New Zealand. With their points percentage (PCT) now reduced to 68.05, India’s once comfortable lead at the top of the WTC table has narrowed considerably. To secure their place in the final without depending on the outcomes of other teams, India will need to win at least five of their remaining seven matches. These matches include two more Tests against New Zealand and the high-stakes five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy(BGT) series in Australia. A victory in five of these games would boost their PCT sufficiently to guarantee a spot in the WTC final.
Nonetheless, India does have some margin for error. If they manage only four wins, their qualification would hinge on other results falling in their favor. Factors such as Australia losing some of their upcoming matches or other teams like Sri Lanka and South Africa dropping points could open the door for India to reach the final with a lower win tally.
Nevertheless, every match from here on out is crucial for India, especially with Australia breathing down their necks, separated by just 5.5 percent in the standings. India must also avoid any over-rate penalties, which could lead to point deductions and further complicate their chances. Their second Test against New Zealand in Pune becomes a must-win, not only to level the series but also to keep their WTC final hopes firmly in their control.
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