 "IND vs NZ: Lowest successfully defended totals by India in Test history")
The Indian cricket team has often been slow to start in bilateral series recently. Earlier this year, they lost the opening match against England in Hyderabad but bounced back with a commanding performance to win the series 4-1. A similar narrative seems to be unfolding in their ongoing three-match Test series against New Zealand.
Check IND vs NZ 1st Test Day 5 LIVE SCORE UPDATES and full scorecard here
Check IND vs NZ 1st Test Day 5 LIVE SCORE UPDATES and full scorecard here
After being bowled out for a paltry 46 runs in the first innings, India's batters showed tremendous resolve in the second innings, fighting back to erase a massive 356-run lead. The resurgence was spearheaded by Sarfaraz Khan, who continued his fine form from first-class cricket, scoring a commanding 150 off 195 balls. He was ably supported by Rishabh Pant, who, despite struggling with fitness, contributed 96 runs in a vital 177-run partnership. Pant narrowly missed out on his seventh Test century by just one run.
With just 107 runs needed for victory, New Zealand are in prime position to claim their first win on Indian soil since 1989. However, standing in their way are the unpredictable Bengaluru weather and India's determined bowling attack.
There is a forecast of rain throughout the day at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, and the pitch is showing signs of deterioration, with several deliveries keeping low due to widening cracks. These factors could favour India, giving them a chance to defend the small target.
If the weather limits New Zealand's batting time and India's bowlers capitalise on the crumbling wicket, India could pull off another memorable defence, similar to their 107-run victory against Australia in Mumbai in 2004.
Lowest successfully defended target by India in India
| Lowest total defended by India in Test cricket | |||
| Target defened | Opposition | Venue | Year |
| 107 | Australia | Mumbai | 2004 |
| 143 | Australia | Melbourne | 1991 |
| 170 | South Africa | Ahmedabad | 1996 |
| 188 | Australia | Bengaluru | 2017 |
| 188 | New Zealand | Mumbai | 1969 |
Also Read
What is the lowest score defended by India at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in Test cricket history?
The lowest score defended by India at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Benglauru was 188 against Australia in 2017.
Lowest successfully defended target in Test cricket history
| Lowest total defended in Test cricket | ||||
| Target defened | Opposition | Venue | Year | Win margin |
| 85 | England | The Oval | 1882 | Australia won by 7 runs |
| 99 | Zimbabaw | Port of Spain | 2000 | West Indies won by 35 runs |
| 107 | Australia | Mumbai (Wankhede) | 2004 | India won by 13 runs |
| 111 | Australia | NA | 1887 | England won by 13 runs |
| 111 | Australia | The Oval | 1896 | England won by 66 runs |
| Lowest totals successfully defended by each team in Tests |
| Australia - 85 |
| West Indies - 99 |
| India - 107 |
| England - 111 |
| South Africa - 117 |
| Pakistan - 127 |
| Sri Lanka - 136 |
| New Zealand - 137 |
| Bangladesh - 204 |
| Zimbabwe - 235 |
| Afghanistan - 398 |
| Ireland - NA |