Despite facing an battle in the 1st Test match against New Zealand, India made history by setting a remarkable record in Test cricket’s 147-year-old timeline. The Indian team, captained by Rohit Sharma, achieved an unprecedented feat during their second innings in Bengaluru, becoming the first team to hit 100 sixes in a calendar year in Test cricket.
A Rocky Start Turns Historic
While India was bowled out for a dismal 46 runs in their first innings, their second innings saw a strong fightback. The Men in Blue took advantage of improving batting conditions and, in the process, broke a world record. On Day 3 of the Test match, India became the first team in Test cricket history to smash 100 sixes in a single calendar year, a milestone never reached before in the red-ball format.
India’s Record-Breaking Numbers
Coming into this match, India already held the world record for most sixes in a calendar year in Test cricket. However, during this Test against New Zealand, they became the first team to surpass 100 maximums. The top teams with the most sixes in a calendar year in Test cricket now stand as:
India: 102 sixes in 2024*
England: 89 sixes in 2022
India: 87 sixes in 2021
New Zealand: 81 sixes in 2014
New Zealand: 71 sixes in 2013
The Test Match So Far
In the match itself, India is still fighting to stay alive. After New Zealand posted a formidable first-innings total of 402, thanks to Rachin Ravindra’s outstanding 134 and Tim Southee’s valuable 65, India was left chasing a 356-run deficit. However, India put up a better showing in their second innings.
Rohit Sharma (52), Virat Kohli (70), and Sarfaraz Khan (unbeaten on 70) all played crucial roles in India’s resistance. At stumps on Day 3, India ended on 231/3, still trailing New Zealand by 125 runs. Kohli, who was looking in fine form, fell to Glenn Phillips on the last ball of the day, nicking a delivery to the wicketkeeper after his impressive knock.
India’s dream of pulling off an unlikely victory remains alive, though the loss of Kohli late in the day could be a decisive moment. Sarfaraz Khan, however, stands unbeaten at the crease, keeping India’s hopes alive as they look to overcome the daunting trail in the final days of the Test.
Read Also: India Record Lowest-Ever Test Total on Home Soil in Bengaluru.
