New Zealand has struggled for decades to win a Test match in India. The spin-friendly conditions and India's strong home record have made it tough for visiting teams.
In fact, the Black Caps have only won two Test matches on Indian soil, with the most recent win coming 36 years ago, in 1988. As the Black Caps gear up for another series in India, it’s worth revisiting that historic win and how they managed to defeat India on their home soil.
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When was the last time New Zealand won a Test match in India?
The last time New Zealand won a Test match in India was during the 1988-89 series. It was the second Test of the series, played in Mumbai from November 24 to November 29, 1988. New Zealand pulled off an unexpected 136-run win in this match.
What happened in the India vs New Zealand 1988 Test match at Mumbai?
The match started poorly for New Zealand as they were 175 for eight on the first day. However, a crucial ninth-wicket stand between John Bracewell and Danny Morrison helped them recover, with Bracewell’s aggressive batting.
India’s reply was strong initially, with Kris Srikkanth and Dilip Vengsarkar forming a solid partnership. But Richard Hadlee’s bowling changed the game.
He dismissed Srikkanth just short of his century and quickly ran through the rest of India's batting order. In their second innings, New Zealand again faced difficulties but managed to set a target of 282.
Bracewell’s off-spin dominated the final day, as India’s batsmen struggled to chase the target. Bracewell ended with six wickets, securing New Zealand’s win.
India vs New Zealand 1988 Test match: Scorecard
First Innings
New Zealand 236/10 (93.3 overs)
John Bracewell 52 (100)
Ravi Shastri 4/45 (18)
India 234/10 (75.5 overs)
Kris Srikkanth 94 (137)
Richard Hadlee 6/49 (20.5)
Second Innings
New Zealand • 279/10 (115 overs)
Andrew Jones 78 (175)
Arshad Ayub 5/50 (33)
India • 145/10 (49.4 overs)
Arun Lal 47 (86)
John Bracewell 6/51 (17.4)
Result: New Zealand won by 136 runs.
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The combination of Bracewell’s all-round performance and Hadlee’s outstanding bowling helped New Zealand pull off a rare win. Since then, New Zealand has struggled in India. It will be interesting to see if New Zealand can break their 36-year winless streak in the upcoming series in India.
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