As the New Zealand men’s cricket team prepares to embark on a challenging three-match Test series against India, they arrive with a sobering historical record on Indian soil. With only two victories in 36 Tests played since their first encounter in 1955, the Kiwis are keen to improve their standing in a country where they have faced considerable adversity.
The series is set to commence on October 16, 2024, at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The subsequent matches will be held in Pune from October 24 to 28 and Mumbai from November 1 to 5. Having recently suffered a whitewash in a two-match series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand is determined to turn their fortunes around against a formidable Indian side.
A Historical Overview
New Zealand’s journey in India has been fraught with challenges. Of the 36 Tests played, they have managed just two wins, 17 losses, and 17 draws, underscoring the difficulties they have faced on Indian pitches.
- First Victory: Their maiden win in India came in October 1969 during a match in Nagpur, where they triumphed by 167 runs. This victory remains a significant moment in New Zealand cricket history, as it marked the beginning of their efforts to compete effectively in India.
- Second Victory: The Kiwis’ second victory came nearly two decades later, in November 1988, at Wankhede Stadium. Under the leadership of John Wright, they defeated the Indian team, captained by Dilip Vengsarkar, by 136 runs. This match, held in Mumbai, stands as a testament to New Zealand’s capabilities in Indian conditions, though it remains their last win on Indian soil.
Recent Form and Challenges
New Zealand’s recent performances have raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. Their inability to secure wins against Sri Lanka—a nation that has traditionally been competitive—has intensified scrutiny. The players will need to overcome not only the weight of history but also the current form of the Indian team, which is enjoying a purple patch in international cricket.
India, led by Rohit Sharma, enters the series with confidence and momentum, eyeing a potential whitewash of New Zealand. A successful series would further cement their position in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, bringing them closer to a final at Lord’s next year.
Key Statistics from New Zealand’s Test History in India
- Test Matches Played: 36
- Victories: 2 (1969, 1988)
- Defeats: 17
- Draws: 17
- Highest Total: 630/6 declared at PCA Stadium, Mohali (October 2003)
- Lowest Total: 62 all out at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (December 2021)
Top Individual Performance:
- Most Runs: Bert Sutcliffe (885 runs in 9 Tests)
- Highest Score: Bert Sutcliffe (230 not out at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, December 1955)
- Most Wickets: Richard Hadlee and Daniel Vettori (31 wickets each)
- Best Bowling: Ajaz Patel (10 for 119 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, December 2021)
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New Zealand’s Test cricket record in India,
| Category | Details |
| Total Tests Played | 36 |
| Victories | 2 (1969, 1988) |
| Defeats | 17 |
| Draws | 17 |
| Highest Total | 630/6 declared at PCA Stadium, Mohali (October 2003) |
| Lowest Total | 62 all out at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (December 2021) |
| Most Runs Scored | Bert Sutcliffe (885 runs in 9 Tests) |
| Highest Individual Score | Bert Sutcliffe (230 not out at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, December 1955) |
| Most Wickets | Richard Hadlee and Daniel Vettori (31 wickets each) |
| Best Bowling Figures (Innings) | Ajaz Patel (10 for 119 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, December 2021) |
| Most Five-Wicket Hauls | Bruce Taylor, Tim Southee, Richard Hadlee, Daniel Vettori (2 each) |
| Most Dismissals by a Wicketkeeper | Ken Wadsworth (11 dismissals) |
| Most Catches | Ross Taylor (10 catches) |
| Highest Partnership | Mark Richardson and Lou Vincent (231 runs for the first wicket at PCA Stadium, Mohali, October 2003) |
| Most Matches Played | Ross Taylor (10 Tests) |
| Most Wins as Captain | John Wright and Graham Dowling (1 win each) |
| Most Wickets in a Series | Richard Hadlee (18 wickets during the New Zealand tour of India in 1988) |
As the Kiwis prepare for their first match against India, they are acutely aware of the historical context surrounding their previous encounters. To claim their first series win in India, they will need to showcase resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from the past.
Fans are eager to see how New Zealand’s squad, which includes several experienced players alongside promising newcomers, will tackle the challenge posed by a well-rounded Indian team. The stakes are high, not just for the series but also for New Zealand’s reputation in Test cricket.
As the cricketing world watches closely, the New Zealand team hopes to rewrite their history in India, starting from the first ball bowled in Bengaluru.
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