New Zealand, the visiting team, is about to defeat India in their own backyard in a historic victory. Interestingly, since 1988, the hosts have never lost a Test match against the Blackcaps. Intriguingly, the host team can draw inspiration from another Test match in which Australia, the visiting team, coincidentally had the exact 107-run target to chase.
Back in 2004, that match was played in Mumbai’s famous Wankhede Stadium. The opening Test of the series between New Zealand and India is currently playing out on a cliffhanger. In the face of weather-playing possums, New Zealand will be trying to gradually edge closer to the target, while India needs eight more wickets to pull off a stunning comeback and win.
Speaking about the Test match between India and Australia, bowler Jason Gillespie’s four-wicket (4/29) haul saw Team India collapse for a pitiful 104 when they were batting first. Anil Kumble and Murali Karthik shared nine wickets as Australia responded with 204 runs. Consequently, India was left reeling from a massive lead loss of 99 runs. Mathew Hayden (35) and Damien Martyn (55), two prominent batting figures, plagued the Indian bowling squad.
Though Michael Clarke’s (6/9) match-making effort allowed the hosts to finish with 205 runs on the board in the second innings, Sachin Tendulkar (55) and VVS Laxman (69) spearheaded the comeback. Australia was thus given the seemingly simple goal of 107 runs.
When bowler Zaheer Khan dismissed Justin Langer on a duck in the first over of the reply, he began the destruction. Australia was soon reduced to 48/6 by the spin combination of Harbhajan Singh and Murali Karthik, which sent the visitors into a panic.
The ‘baggy greens’ were eventually skittled for 93 runs in 31 overs after both spinners took eight wickets between them. An incredible 14-run victory was achieved by Team India.
Check out the viral match footage of India’s win vs Australia:
India defended 106 Runs against Mighty Australians 🇦🇺 back in 2004 when no one believed that this target 🎯 can be defended. You beauty Incredible Indians 🇮🇳 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/o6cQGcqXcc
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) January 8, 2024
Can India make another comeback like Wankhede did in 2004?
As the 2024 Bengaluru Test continues, Team India is back at it with a 107-run aim for New Zealand. At this stage, pacer Jasprit Bumrah, spinners Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav are responsible for bowling for India. The visiting team is currently cruising quickly, needing another 33 runs after 19.5 overs, with scores of 74/2.
In the event that the Blackcaps continue to score runs with little effort, the rain gods might also assist the hosts in the hopes of a drawn Test, which would add to the suspense. The only concern that remains in the game is whether the weather will encourage New Zealand to attempt huge strokes at the expense of their wickets.
Also Read: ‘Back your shots, play freely’- Sarfaraz Khan shares experience batting with Virat Kohli in Bengaluru Test
Or will India, who were bowled out for 46 runs on the first Test’s opening day, make history once more with a spectacular Test victory?
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