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India are set to clash with New Zealand in a three-match bilateral Test series, set to take place from October 16 to November 5. The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru will host the opening fixture while the remaining two games will be played in Pune and Mumbai.
Currently, India are at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings with eight wins in 11 games. On the other hand, New Zealand are in sixth place with three victories in eight appearances.
A series win would help the hosts maintain their dominance at the top, while New Zealand will need to secure a whitewash to remain in the hunt for a WTC final spot.
Historically, the Black Caps have played three Tests in Bengaluru and have lost all of them. On that note, let's take a look at what transpired between the two teams the last time they clashed in the Garden City.
India secured a clinical victory against New Zealand last time in Bengaluru
During the New Zealand tour to India in 2012, the second Test fixture of the series took place at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The Ross Taylor-led side batted first in the contest and got off to a decent start despite losing Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson early.
The pair of Martin Guptill (53) and Taylor (113) set up a solid platform for the side. Kruger van Wyk (71) was the major contributor in the middle order, as New Zealand posted a total of 365. Pragyan Ojha picked up a fifer for the hosts.
In response, India lost Gautam Gambhir and Cheteshwar Pujara early while Virender Sehwag (43) and Sachin Tendulkar (17) couldn't quite build on their partnership.
Coming at No. 5, Virat Kohli looked flawless with his timing and was level-headed with his straight and cover drives. He went on to hit 103 off 193 while getting support from Suresh Raina (55) and MS Dhoni (62).
As a result, the hosts compiled a total of 353. Tim Southee scalped seven wickets and helped secure a 12-run lead for the visitors.
Thereafter, most of the New Zealand batters got starts but couldn't convert them to a big knock. James Franklin (41) was the top-scorer for the side, as they were bundled out for 248. Ravichandran Ashwin continued his strong performance in the series by recording a fifer.
Chasing 261, Gambhir (34) and Sehwag (38) provided a decent opening stand for the Indian team. Pujara (48) and Tendulkar (27) then continued the team's momentum.
Although Raina (0) could not open his account, Kohli (51*) and Dhoni (48*) took India home to a five-wicket victory. Jeetan Patel was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand with three wickets.
Ashwin was adjudged the Player of the Series for his contribution of 18 wickets and 69 runs, which paved the way for India to seal a 2-0 whitewash.
New Zealand will make their Test return to Bengaluru after 12 years, as both teams battle it out in the first game of the 2024 series. It will be interesting to see if they can finally manage to win their first-ever Test at this venue.
