Can India defend 107 in Bengaluru Test vs New Zealand? Here’s what history says

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts:

1. India needs to defend 107 runs against New Zealand in the Bengaluru Test.
2. India has defended a target of 107 or less only once in their Test history.
3. Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant shined in the second innings, but rain interrupted the match.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth:

India faces a daunting task in the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand, as they attempt to defend a mere 107 runs. A win here would give Rohit Sharma’s team a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. But, the question remains—can India successfully defend this small target? History suggests that India has managed to defend 107 or fewer runs only once.

In 2004, at the Wankhede Stadium, Rahul Dravid’s India successfully defended 107 runs against Ricky Ponting’s Australia, bowling them out for 93. The spin trio of Murali Kartik, Anil Kumble, and Harbhajan Singh was instrumental in India’s victory.

Similarly, India defended 143 runs against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1981, dismissing them for just 83 runs.

The lowest score India has defended against New Zealand is 188, back in 1969 at the Brabourne Stadium. In Bengaluru, the lowest score defended by India was 188 against Australia in 2017.

List of Scores Successfully Defended by India in Tests:

In India’s second innings, Sarfaraz Khan led the charge with a brilliant 150, while Rishabh Pant narrowly missed a century, scoring 99. Unfortunately, rain halted New Zealand’s chase after just four balls, leaving the match on a knife’s edge.

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