New Zealand carved their name into the history books in the 2024/25 season with a magnificent bowling performance, defending a target of just 147 runs against India at the Wankhede Stadium. This latest victory moved New Zealand to second place in the list of lowest totals successfully defended against India in Test cricket. They won a thrilling 25-run victory.
5 lowest Test totals successfully defended against India
1. West Indies’ stunning 38-run win at Bridgetown (1996/97)
The record for the lowest total successfully defended against India is held by West Indies. In the 1996/97 season, West Indies restricted India to just 120 runs and defended a modest 158-run target in Bridgetown, Barbados. Their disciplined bowling attack ensured a memorable 38-run victory, which remains unprecedented for a low-scoring defense against India.
2. New Zealand’s 147-run defense at the Wankhede (2024/25)
New Zealand’s 147 saves against India at the Wankhede Stadium in the 2024/25 season are second on the all-time list. Their bowlers took advantage of the difficult pitch conditions to put relentless pressure on the Indian batsmen. The thrilling 25-run win highlighted New Zealand’s tactical brilliance and adaptability and is a testament to their unwavering determination.
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3. Sri Lanka’s 176-run defense at Galle (2015)
In 2015, Sri Lanka produced an excellent bowling performance to defend a target of 176 against India at the Galle International Stadium. Despite the modest result, the Sri Lankan bowlers took advantage of the favorable conditions to secure a decisive 63-run victory, showing the impact of smart bowling in low-scoring games.
4. England’s Birmingham defense 194 (2018)
England successfully defended their target of 194 against India in Birmingham 2018. Their bowlers executed a disciplined game plan to restrict India to just 162, securing a narrow victory by 31 runs. England’s defense in this match highlighted the importance of tenacity and tight bowling, especially in pressure-filled situations.
5. Memorable 208-run defense in Cape Town, South Africa (2017/18)
South Africa’s bowlers took center stage in Cape Town in 2017/18, defending a target of 208 runs and bowling India out by just 135 runs. This dominant 72-run victory on a pitch suited to seamen highlighted South Africa’s strength in fast bowling. the low target turned out to be a monumental challenge for the Indian squad.
