IND vs NZ 1st Test highlights: NZ beat IND by 8 wickets, take 1-0 lead in Bengaluru

It's a nice city, nice wicket to bat on. So yea, the odds are in my favour. I guess it's a combination of both (form and preparation). As long as I have clarity of what needs to be done and I know what my plan is it's great. And also having the choice of being able to move forward and back, wasn't trying to take the attack to them but taking care of my positions which is important in this part of the world. Preparation does help. When you've got six Tests in a row you're always looking to do something extra. Lucky enough it all worked out today. I was trying to get a read of different surfaces, red roil and black soil, and seeing what sort of guard I can stand on for different kinds of bowlers. Nets every single day, net bowlers coming in, all that was invaluable experience. Very grateful for those guys putting it on (facilities in Chennai).

I wouldn't say I am looking to attack but I'm hoping to get into good positions that allow me to score. It's just hopefully the way I move allows me to score in different areas. It's not about getting the boundary every time but also about rotating the strike and we speak about that in the team. It's important for us and hopefully that left-right combination frustrates them a little bit. I guess I'm a natural stroke-maker, even in white ball cricket so it's nice to bring that into the Test arena. Whenever I play in Bangalore it's quite nice to have the support. My phone starts blowing up. The fans are great to, I love the support. It's nice having dad and close family here, it always makes it special.

The recent Test match between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru. New Zealand won the match by 107 runs, ending a 36-year drought of Test victories in India. India's first innings was a disaster, with a low total of 46. New Zealand, however, capitalized on this opportunity with a strong batting performance, led by Rachin Ravindra's century. In their second innings, India fought back with centuries from Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant, but New Zealand ultimately prevailed in the chase. (Read more)

That's it Will Young cuts a ball through the point to take New Zealand to the victory by eight wickets. It has been a comprehensive run-chase from the visitors. Though there have been moments with the new ball where things looked like something would happen. But once the shine of the ball is gone batting became relatively easier. One pressing question about the bowling of R Ashwin. He came into the attack very late into the piece and only Rohit can answer the reason behind it. All in all congratulations New Zealand who have won their first game after 36 years. We will be right back with the presentation. 

The challenges faced by cricket due to unpredictable weather, particularly in countries like India. It highlights the contrast between the traditional outdoor image of cricket and the need for adaptation in modern times. The author argues that indoor cricket venues, revised match formats, strategic scheduling, and hybrid formats could be potential solutions to ensure fair and consistent results. (Read more)

While most of the batting effort in the second innings has been positive from India the way the lower order capitulated is something that India needs to sort out going to Pune. The likes of KL Rahul need to step up and deliver. Even from the bowling perspective, it has been a pretty average performance from India. One of their strengths which is too keep bowling tight lines and lenghs have not happened in this Test match. The New Zealand players have come up with a plan to go after the spinners and so they did. (NZ 85/2 after 21 overs) 

Kuldeep into the attack. It is a definite blow to the confidence of Ashwin. In a game where he needed wickets Rohit has opted not to go for his premium spinner and this will spur a conversation after the game. Technically speaking the wicket is not turning much either at this point. However, you back the experience and pedigree of the man. New Zealand on the other hand is scoring runs a lot more freely now and is getting the boundaries away. This is increasingly looking like this game is heading only in one direction. (NZ 73/2 after 19.2 overs)

This is interesting from Rohit Sharma's 16 over into the innings we still have no signs of Ashwin. Until he has some niggle it is hard to understand why Rohit has not thrown the ball to Ashwin. It seems like he doesn't have confidence in his other spinner Kuldeep either. Jadeja who has deployed first up here has looked out of sorts. How much Rohit Sharma would not love to have an Akash Deep on this side? It is that one wrong decision Rohit has made on the morning of Day 1 kept him haunting through the Test match.  (NZ 62/2 after 16.3 overs)

Jadeja's over has gone for some runs here. It is the worst possible situation in the game to bowl an over of such sort. It has completely eased out the pressure and New Zealand will be now cautiously optimistic about getting there. India needs a flurry of wickets to create any panic in New Zealand dug out. Yes, Jadeja did bowl well in the first innings but at this point in time, it seems like Rohit is delaying to bring in Ashwin and now it is becoming too late. Bumrah has come to bowl his eighth over and it might be his last one here as well. (NZ 52/2 after 14.3 overs)

There is the wicket it is Bumrah who has had the last laugh. He has been targeting the pads of Conway since morning and eventually succeeded. He started to bowl around the wicket in the over and the ball came back in and moved slightly away in the final moment which did the trick. It is somewhat of a magic delivery from Bumrah which is what India needs at this point in the innings given how things have been played so far. Drinks have been taken the wicket will make things difficult for Rohit now will he give another over or give him a break for a bit.  (NZ 35/2 after 12.3 overs)

Will Young has looked good here. He has played and missed a few but he has been able to get over those misses and continue to play with a free mind. He seems to have a compact technique and solid temperament and is playing with soft hands which is one of the gifted features at this level. He looked good in the first innings before getting done by Kuldeep Yadav. Also, one more advantage for him is these are conditions he faces day in and day out in New Zealand hence he will be better equipped to face this challenge than score the same runs on a dust bowl which is what is expected in India at this stage of the game. (NZ 27/1 after 11.4 overs)

This is an interesting approach from Conway against Bumrah. He is keeping his pads away and playing the ball with his hands which is a dangerous tactic but a gamble worth taking as Bumrah has been threatening to hit the pads of Conway and get him LBW since morning and has been less dependent on getting the ball to move away from. Even if he wants to do the ball is not seaming as much as it should to get wickets. It feels like the time has come for Rohit Sharma starts to think about the spinners here. (NZ 21/1 after 9.5 overs)

Still pacers continue for India they have not given away any runs but things have eased out a bit. The seam moment which was prominent in the first 10-15 minutes has gone down. There is a bit of uneven bounce but not too much of a lateral moment. Both Conway and Young though have been beaten a few times and got hit on the thumb kept their cool and are continuing to bat with grit and determination. It increasingly feels like the game might be decided by how spinners might operate on this surface. Once again what would India have given to have one more seamer in this attack?(NZ 9/1 after 7.5 overs)

The sun has come out here, sooner or later Rohit Sharma has to bring in the spinners. Who will be the first one will be interesting to see? Ashwin has gone for runs in the first innings and India cannot afford to have a couple of such overs today. However, the off-spinner has done well in conditions like this before and he is a champion bowler. Hence Rohit might back his premium option and give him a spell. There is uneven bounce to work with for him until he puts the ball we won't know if there is a turn but because of the dampness, it just might turn till the moisture evaporates. (NZ 8/1 after 5.4 overs)

Both Indian seamers right from ball one are looking up for it. The ball is moving both ways and it feels at this point in time a wicket might fall every ball. However, having said that India have to make the most of this burst once this spell of play gets over New Zealand may feel a little easier to deal with the spinners. However, it is a very difficult challenge. The conditions for batters are not as demanding as they have been in the first innings but they are quite difficult at the moment. (NZ 4/1 after 3.5 overs)

Well, there is the wicket India was looking for. It was a peach of a delivery the first ball went away from Tom Latham and the next one from Jaspirt Bumrah came in sharply the batter early in his innings wasn't ready for the sharp moment coming in and was trapped in front of the wicket. He did review the decision but there were three reds. There are plenty of cracks on the surface and every time ball hits these there might be an uneven bounce which will create opportunities. This is an exceptional start for India. (NZ 0/1 after 1.1 overs)

Just as match time is approaching, the skies have become sullen again says Sandip G

The fifth day of a cricket match between India and New Zealand, where India is defending a 107-run target. India's chances of winning seem slim after their poor first-innings performance, but their recent fightback, led by Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant, has given them a glimmer of hope. (Read more)

Play to start at 10:15 AM IST in Bengaluru

Challenging weather conditions on the fifth day of a cricket match between India and New Zealand. Due to persistent rain, the start of the day's play has been delayed. The forecast predicts further rain throughout the day, making the possibility of a rain-induced draw or a shortened match highly likely. The outcome of the match remains uncertain, with all four possible results still in play. (Read more)

Sarfaraz Khan's emotional reaction to scoring his first Test century. He expresses his joy and relief after achieving this significant milestone. The passage also provides a glimpse into Khan's background, highlighting his father's sacrifices and his unique upbringing, which has shaped his unconventional batting style. Khan's journey and his achievement are portrayed as a testament to his perseverance and talent. (Read more)

Deying weather forecast, the sun is out pings Sandip G

Suddenly, the skies have brightened, even though rain persists pings Sandip G

The start has been delayed due to a slight drizzle which has gone as well. Fingers crossed we might start playing soon.

India's chances of a comeback were significantly reduced due to a rain-affected fourth day. Despite their earlier dominance, India's position became precarious after the loss of key batsmen Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant. The match's outcome remains uncertain, with the possibility of a dramatic twist in the final stages either through player performance or further weather interruptions. (Read more)

The dramatic end of a cricket match, where India's chances of a comeback were significantly reduced due to a rain-affected fourth day. Despite their earlier dominance, India's position became precarious after the loss of key batsmen Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant. The match's outcome remains uncertain, with the possibility of a dramatic twist in the final stages either through player performance or further weather interruptions. (Read more)

Sarfaraz Khan's efforts to improve his fitness for India's upcoming tour of Australia. With the guidance of the Indian team's strength and conditioning coach and a chef suggested by Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz is working on his diet and exercise regimen. Suryakumar Yadav, a teammate, emphasizes the importance of fitness for older cricketers and believes that Sarfaraz's hard work will pay off. The text also addresses previous criticisms about Sarfaraz's fitness, suggesting that these perceptions may be unfair. (Read more)

It has been raining a bit from the morning. Rain expected to relent from 10 am. But now the covers are firmly wrapped over the square pings Sandip G from ground

Suryakumar Yadav praises Khan's batting skills, emphasizing his ability to score runs despite having an unorthodox batting style. The author also highlights Khan's grit and determination, which have played a crucial role in his success. A personal connection with Khan is mentioned, adding to the emotional depth of the tribute. The author expresses excitement and surprise upon learning about Khan's quick innings in a Ranji match. Overall, the text conveys admiration and respect for Khan's cricketing talent and his journey. (Read more)

Hello and welcome to our live blog for the final day of the India vs New Zealand Test. While it is New Zealand's game to take the win and take the lead it is hard to predict how Wicket might play however, regardless it will take some exceptional bowling effort from the Indian team to make a match out of it. Do stay with us for all the live updates.