Can Rohit Sharma's India successfully defend 107 runs in thrilling first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru? This is what the history suggests

Team India players in this frame.
Team India players

Highlights:

India have set a 107-run target for New Zealand in the first Test.

India were bowled out for 462 runs in their second innings after Sarfaraz Khan's 150 and Rishabh Pant's 99

India face a daunting task to win the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. The Black Caps, needing just 107 runs to secure victory on Day 5, are in a strong position to taste the glory. India need to put on a miraculous bowling show if they have to win the opening Test.

Throughout their Test history, India have successfully defended a target of 107 or less only once. In 2004, a spin trio of Murali Kartik, Anil Kumble, and Harbhajan Singh helped India bowl out Australia for 93 runs, defending a target of 107. Another notable instance was in 1981, when India bowled out Australia for 83 runs while defending 143 in Melbourne.

When it comes to defending low targets against New Zealand, India's lowest successful defense was 188 runs in 1969. At the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the lowest successful defense was also 188 runs, against Australia in 2017.

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India's successful defense of a 107-run target against Australia in 2004 ranks as the third-lowest total defended in Test cricket history. The West Indies hold the second-lowest record, defending a target of 99 runs against Zimbabwe by bowling them out for 63 in 2000.

The lowest score ever defended in Test cricket belongs to Australia. In 1882, they successfully defended a target of just 85 runs against England, bowling them out for 77 runs.

Let's take you through list of scores that India comprehensively defended in Tests

Team Score Target Result Ground Start Date
Australia 93 107 Lost Wankhede 3 Nov 2004
Australia 83 143 Lost Melbourne 7 Feb 1981
South Africa 105 170 Lost Ahmedabad 20 Nov 1996
New Zealand 127 188 Lost Brabourne 25 Sep 1969
Australia 112 188 Lost Bengaluru 4 Mar 2017
England 163 192 Lost Eden Gardens 30 Dec 1972
South Africa 109 218 Lost Mohali 5 Nov 2015
Australia 105 225 Lost Kanpur 19 Dec 1959
England 102 241 Lost Wankhede 27 Nov 1981
South Africa 177 241 Lost Johannesburg 24 Jan 2018

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Rohit Sharma's men were all over the place after being bowled out for a paltry 46 runs in their first innings. They conceded a massive lead of 356 runs to New Zealand as the visitors notched colossal 402 runs in reply to India's lowly score. However, the Indian team staged a remarkable comeback in their second innings, scoring 462 runs, thanks to fifties from Virat Kohli (70), Rohit Sharma (52) and Sarfaraz Khan-Rishabh Pant's batting masterclass.

Sarfaraz Khan was the star of the show, scoring a brilliant century. He amassed 150 runs off 195 balls, hitting 18 fours and 3 sixes. Rishabh Pant also played a crucial role, scoring a quickfire 99 runs before being dismissed by William O'Rourke. O'Rourke and Matt Henry were the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, claiming three wickets each.

Unfortunately, rain intervened on Day 4, curtailing play after just four balls of New Zealand's innings. The match ended in a draw, with New Zealand needing 107 runs to win.