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New Zealand overcame inclement weather conditions at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to prevail by eight wickets in the first Test against India on Sunday (October 20). They registered their first-ever Test win on Indian soil since 1988.
The first innings of the game saw New Zealand take a mammoth lead of 356 runs after bundling out India for 46. However, the hosts fought back by slamming 462 on the board, with Sarfaraz Khan (150) as the top-scorer.
Thereafter, the Black Caps chased down the target of 107 to go 1-0 up in the series. Rachin Ravindra was the best batter for the visitors with knocks of 134 & 48*.
On that note, let's take a look at the top expert reactions to India's loss in the first Test fixture against New Zealand.
#1 Mike Hesson
Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson thought the visitors got an advantage after losing the toss but they also used conditions well to emerge victorious. Here's what he said during the post-match analysis on JioCinema:
"Finally a long wait ends for New Zealand. The game was certainly influenced by coin toss and New Zealand were also able to use the conditions well."
Moreover, Hesson praised Bumrah for his impressive performance, which saw him taking wickets of Tom Latham and Devon Conway in the second innings. He added:
"I thought Bumrah looked like he was gonna turn the game on its heads. It was an excellent show of seam bowling and New Zealand would have easily got four of five down. But they had luck on their side."
#2 Sanjay Manjrekar
Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar heaped praise on the New Zealand team for utilizing the conditions in their favor to have an edge over India. He also lauded Rachin Ravindra for his impressive knocks in both innings and termed him a "sensational player".
Here's what Sanjay Manjrekar said (via ESPNcricinfo):
"This is a big win for New Zealand. They perfectly used the conditions on Day 1 and then the comeback from the second new ball. Rachin Ravindra looks a sensational player. Just love his attitude and how he cannot be kept quiet on Indian pitches, that's a rare sight."
Meanwhile, Manjrekar also thinks the Indian team can make a strong comeback in the final two tests due to the presence of match-winners.
"I see India coming back and even in this game, there were some champion performances. After being all-out for 46 and to be competing till the very end was just incredible. It's a very dangerous team with players having self-belief," he added.
#3 Ian Smith
Former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith also expressed his happiness at the Blackcaps' victory during his commentary stint. Interestingly, the last Test which New Zealand won in India in 1988 before this game saw Smith scoring a half-century.
Here's what he said (via Fox Sports):
“As a New Zealander, I feel very, very happy for this victory. As a player that’s come here and been able to do it, I know what it means and how proud everyone should be about this."
As per the 67-year-old, New Zealand produced clinical performances for most part of the game to end their 36-year wait of winning a Test match in India.
“Rohit Sharma may have got it wrong on the first morning when he decided to bat first – the scores suggest that and he even suggested that himself – but you’ve still got to be good enough to take advantage of those conditions and New Zealand have throughout.”
#4 Anil Kumble
Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble appeared on JioCinema as an analyst. Kumble lauded the Tom Latham-led side for making a strong statement by registering a win in the opening test of the series.
"Massive win for New Zealand. They were able to use the conditions very well. Hats off to them. It's not easy for a young side to come to India and beat them in the first test."
Kumble also praised Ravindra for his impacful knock in the first innings, which saw him stitching a 137-run stand with Tim Southee.
"Rachin Ravindra was the star in this game. He batted well throughout and his partnership with Tim Southee was a crucial aspect for New Zealand to take the game away from India."
#5 Manoj Tiwary
In an interaction on Cricbuzz, former Indian batter Manoj Tiwary thinks the hosts choosing to bat first in overcast conditions resulted in New Zealand having an advantage in the game.
"India have gifted victory on the platter to New Zealand. Batting first in these conditions and challenging your batting unit was not a good idea. Although the partnership between Rishabh Pant-Sarfaraz Khan gave signal of game turning into India's favor, it could not be possible in the end."
Further, Tiwary pointed out New Zealand effectively utilizing the second new ball, which saw them break an important partnership between Sarfaraz and Pant. He also praised Rachin Ravindra for playing well in spin-friendly conditions.
"The way New Zealand brought back the game in their favor in the second innings was commendable. Then, credit to Will Young and also Rachin Ravindra, who showed how to bat in Indian conditions in both innings."
