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.
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 |
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.
