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When India Defended 107 vs Australia In 2004; Can They Do It Again vs NZ In Bengaluru Test?

Jatin

India defended 107 vs Australia in 2004 [Source: @rajkrishna52/x.com]India defended 107 vs Australia in 2004 [Source: @rajkrishna52/x.com]

As New Zealand sits on the cusp of a historic victory in Bengaluru, the memories of India’s famous defence of 107 runs against Australia in 2004 at the Wankhede Stadium come rushing back. The first Test between India and New Zealand currently hangs in balance, with both teams fighting tooth and nail.

While New Zealand seems set for a rare win on Indian soil, India hopes for a miracle — a repeat of their iconic 2004 defence. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to relive that unforgettable clash when the Men in Blue pulled a rabbit out of the hat.

India’s First Innings: A Struggle from Start to Finish

India’s first innings at Wankhede in 2004 was a disaster from the outset. Ater electing to bat first, openers Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag fell cheaply, while the middle order offered little resistance.

Rahul Dravid’s gritty 31* was the only notable effort as Jason Gillespie’s 4/29 dismantled India for a meager 104.

Australia’s First Innings: Building a Lead

Australia's response looked solid initially, with Matthew Hayden’s 35 and Damien Martyn’s 55 laying the foundation. But Murali Kartik’s 4/44 and Anil Kumble’s 5/90 sparked a collapse, restricting Australia to 203. Despite gaining a 99-run lead, Australia’s dominance was short-lived.


India’s Second Innings: Laxman and Tendulkar Fight Back

India showed grit in their second innings, with VVS Laxman (69) and Sachin Tendulkar (55) leading the charge. Despite Michael Clarke’s surprising 6/9 spell, India managed 205, setting Australia a paltry target of 107

Australia’s Second Innings: The Chase Goes Awry

Australia’s chase began disastrously, losing Justin Langer for a duck to Zaheer Khan in the very first over. The spinners took over quickly, with Harbhajan Singh removing Matthew Hayden (24) and Simon Katich (1), while Kartik continued to chip away at the Australian middle order. The visitors suddenly found themselves at 48/6, and the tables had turned.

Murali Kartik and Harbhajan Singh combined to take 8 wickets between them, choking Australia’s hopes. The lower order tried to salvage the situation, but the lead was too slender, and the pitch too treacherous. Harbhajan cleaned up the tail, finishing with 5/29, while Kartik claimed 3/32, helping India bowl out Australia for just 93 in 30.5 overs.

Bengaluru 2024: Can India Pull Off Another Miracle?

Fast forward to 2024, and India once again finds itself defending 107 runs against a formidable opponent. The parallels between the two matches are striking.

Both encounters involve challenging fourth-innings chases on a deteriorating pitch with unpredictable weather looming overhead. In 2004, it was India’s spin trio that led the charge; this time, the likes of R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav aim to repeat history.

While New Zealand appears to have one hand on victory, the Bengaluru pitch has developed widening cracks, offering the Indian bowlers an opportunity to turn the tide once again. The Bengaluru weather, known for its unpredictability, adds another layer of intrigue.

 Should rain reduce New Zealand's batting time, India might just be able to make the most of the deteriorating pitch, putting pressure on the Kiwi batters and potentially snatching victory from the jaws of defeat—just as they did in Mumbai 2004.