Not many gave New Zealand a fighting chance to last all 5 days in a Test match in India but against all odds, the Kiwis put up a batting masterclass to hold the hosts to a dramatic draw in the 1st Test.
Let's take a look at what helped the Kiwis register their first draw on the Indian soil since November 2010.
Tom Latham is known to frustrate Team India and he did that once again. India was looking to get the visitors out cheaply in the 1st innings which was denied to them by Latham's 282-ball-95. He stitched a 151-run opening stand with Will Young as the Kiwis saw off Day 2 without any hiccup. In the 2nd innings, Latham scored a match-saving half-century and played out 146 balls.
When India needed 9 wickets to win on the final day, Latham and nightwatchman William Somerville batted through the 1st session, as India went into lunch without any success.
But New Zealand had a batting collapse and it seemed that India would pull off a thrilling win but New Zealand's 10th wicket pair played out 52 balls to deny India victory. Debutant Rachin Ravindra played out 91 balls to save the Test for his side.
The draw might be no less than a win for the Blackcaps but the 2-match series is still locked at 0-0, making the 2nd and final Test very crucial
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