In a thrilling encounter in Bengaluru, New Zealand triumphed over India by eight wickets, marking their first Test win on Indian soil in 36 years. This significant victory not only sets the tone for the ongoing three-match series but also highlights the resilience and skill of the New Zealand squad.

Chasing a modest target of 107 runs on a rain-affected fifth day, the visitors faced early setbacks with the loss of captain Tom Latham and Devon Conway. However, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra steadied the ship, contributing 48 and 39 runs respectively, guiding New Zealand to a comfortable finish at 110-2.

This historic win is New Zealand's first in India since 1988, adding to their total of three Test victories in the country, including one from 1969. It’s a remarkable feat considering the challenges posed by the Indian team, especially in home conditions.

The match was not without its interruptions, as rain played a significant role on the final day, delaying play and reducing the available time for both teams to make their mark. Nevertheless, the day was action-packed, especially during the first session, which saw around two hours lost to rain.

Earlier in the match, Indian batsman Sarfaraz Khan was a standout performer, scoring a brilliant 150 runs. Alongside Rishabh Pant, who narrowly missed out on a century with 99 runs, Sarfaraz forged a remarkable partnership of 177 runs for the fourth wicket. This collaboration helped India recover from a daunting deficit of 356 runs. Sarfaraz’s innings was particularly special, marking his first century in just four Test appearances. Reflecting on his achievement, he expressed his joy, stating, "Since I started playing cricket, it was my dream to play for India and score a 100 for India. I am happy."

Despite their efforts, the Indian team struggled to capitalize on their first innings performance, particularly as New Zealand’s bowlers made effective use of the second new ball, which ultimately shifted the momentum back in their favor.

As the series progresses, India will be keen to regroup and come back stronger in the upcoming matches, while New Zealand will be riding high on this confidence-boosting victory. The teams now look ahead to the next Test, where India will seek redemption on home soil against a determined New Zealand side.