Defying the Odds: India’s Greatest Test Match Defences
Test cricket is often hailed as the purest form of the game, where resilience, strategy, and patience are tested to their limits. Over the years, the Indian cricket team has produced some spectacular performances in Test matches, especially in situations where they have had to defend low totals. One such remarkable instance occurred recently in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Despite a dismal first innings where India was bundled out for just 46 runs, the team showcased their fighting spirit in the second innings, managing to set a challenging target for the visitors.
The Test match began on a disastrous note for India, as they collapsed for a meager 46 runs in their first innings. New Zealand capitalized on this, amassing a significant 402 runs to take a substantial lead. Facing a daunting deficit, India needed to put up a strong performance in their second innings. Openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal were dismissed early, before India had even reached the 100-run mark, leaving the hosts in a precarious position.
However, a resilient partnership between Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan sparked hopes of a comeback. Kohli, with his characteristic grit, scored 70 runs before being dismissed on the last delivery of Day 3. On Day 4, Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant took charge, with Sarfaraz scoring a magnificent 150 and Pant narrowly missing a century with 99 runs. Their partnership of 177 runs breathed new life into India’s innings. Despite their efforts, New Zealand’s bowlers utilized the new ball effectively, wrapping up India’s innings at 462, setting a target of 107 runs for the visitors to win.
The fifth day of the Test began with New Zealand needing just 107 runs to secure victory. However, rain played spoilsport, halting play just four balls into New Zealand’s chase. Rohit Sharma and his team were seen in intense discussions with the umpires as the game was initially paused due to bad light. Eventually, persistent rain forced the day’s play to be called off, leaving New Zealand to chase the same target on the final day.
Defending such a low total in a Test match is a daunting task, but history provides instances where the Indian team has risen to the challenge. Here are some of the lowest totals that India has successfully defended in Test cricket:
1. 107 Runs vs. Australia, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, 2004
In 2004, India defended a mere 107 runs against Australia at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It was a match characterized by sharp turn and bounce, where Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh spun a web around the Australian batsmen. India managed to bowl out Australia for just 93 runs, securing a thrilling 13-run victory.
2. 143 Runs vs. Australia, MCG, Melbourne, 1981
One of the most memorable Test matches in Indian cricket history took place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1981. Defending 143 runs against a formidable Australian side, Kapil Dev produced a magical spell of fast bowling, taking 5 for 28. India bowled out Australia for 83 runs, clinching an incredible 59-run victory.
3. 170 Runs vs. South Africa, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad, 1996
In 1996, India defended 170 runs against South Africa at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match saw a collective effort from the Indian bowlers, with Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble playing key roles. South Africa was bowled out for just 105 runs, giving India a memorable 64-run victory.
 4. 188 Runs vs. New Zealand, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, 1969
Back in 1969, India defended 188 runs against New Zealand at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. It was a match dominated by the Indian spinners, with Bishan Singh Bedi and Erapalli Prasanna weaving their magic. New Zealand was dismissed for 127 runs, giving India a 61-run victory.
5. 188 Runs vs. Australia, M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 2017
Another notable instance came in 2017, when India defended 188 runs against Australia at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Ravichandran Ashwin was the star of the show, taking 6 wickets for 41 runs. Australia was bowled out for 112 runs, handing India a crucial 75-run victory.
 6. 192 Runs vs. England, Eden Gardens, Kolkata, 1972
In 1972, India defended 192 runs against England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. It was a remarkable team effort, with the Indian bowlers chipping in with crucial wickets. England was bowled out for 163 runs, giving India a hard-fought 29-run victory.
These historic performances highlight the resilience and determination of the Indian cricket team in defending low totals. As they face New Zealand with a target of 107 runs to defend, these past glories serve as a reminder that in cricket, anything is possible. The upcoming final day promises to be a thrilling contest, with India looking to script another memorable chapter in their Test cricket history.