IND vs NZ 2021: 5 memorable batting performances by Indians in Tests vs New Zealand

#3 Sachin Tendulkar - 217 (Ahmedabad, 1999)

Sachin Tendulkar batting against New Zealand. Pic: Getty Images

Nearly a decade after making his Test debut, Sachin Tendulkar scored his maiden double hundred. It came against New Zealand in Ahmedabad in October 1999. India batted first in the third Test and Tendulkar top-scored with 217 from 344 balls. The Master Blaster occupied the crease for close to 500 minutes, during which he hit 29 fours.

Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly (125) featured in a mammoth fourth-wicket stand of 281 as India amassed 583 for 7 declared in their first innings. Tendulkar reached his century before the end of Day 1, while Ganguly crossed his fifty. On Day 2, Tendulkar batted on with exemplary patience and raised his first score of 200-plus.

Tendulkar was the seventh wicket to fall in the Indian innings with the team score on 521. It needed a brilliant piece of fielding to end the Indian legend’s knock. Tendulkar pulled New Zealand left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori, only for Dion Nash to grab a superb driving catch at mid-wicket.

Set 424 for victory in their second innings, New Zealand displayed great resolve and batted for 95 overs to score 252 for 2 and secure a draw. Current Kiwi coach Gary Stead top-scored with 78.

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#4 Virat Kohli - 211 (Indore, 2016)

Team India skipper Virat Kohli. Pic: Getty Images

Current Indian skipper Virat Kohli set up the team’s victory against New Zealand during the third Test of the three-match series in October 2016. India batted first after winning the toss and Kohli led from the front with a sublime 211 off 366 balls. The Indian captain smashed 20 fours during his knock, which lasted 536 minutes.

India were 100 for 3 at one stage before a mammoth partnership of 365 between Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane (188) put the hosts on top. Kohli reached his hundred before the end of the first day’s play as India went to stumps at 267 for 3. He looked in no trouble at all on Day 2 as he eased towards his second double hundred of the year. He got there by working New Zealand pacer Matt Henry towards deep square for a single.

Kohli’s brilliant knock ended when he was trapped lbw by Jeetan Patel. Rahane missed his double hundred by 12 runs and the knock remains his highest score in Test cricket. India declared their first innings on 557 for 5. Ravichandran Ashwin then claimed 13 wickets to run through the Kiwi batting line-up. India won the Test by 321 runs to clinch the series 3-0.

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#5 Mohammad Azharuddin - 192 (Auckland, 1990)

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin

Mohammad Azharuddin played a gem of a knock as India drew the third Test against New Zealand in Auckland in February 1990. Bowling first, India had the Kiwis on the ropes at 85 for 6 but a stunning 136-ball 173 by Ian Smith lifted the hosts to 391. Richard Hadlee also chipped in with a splendid 87.

In response, India lost three wickets for 71. However, Azhar came up with a splendid innings to lead the visitors’ fightback. He batted for 421 minutes and hit 26 fours during his 259-ball knock. The performance came against a top-class New Zealand attack featuring Hadlee, Danny Morrison and Martin Snedden. Azhar missed out on a double hundred as he was caught off Shane Thomson’s bowling.

Following their captain’s dismissal, Kiran More and Atul Wassan cracked quickfire half-centuries as India extended their innings to 482. Andrew Jones and Martin Crowe struck hundreds in New Zealand’s second innings as the Test ended in a high-scoring draw.