Rohit Sharma Says ‘Didn’t Expect to Be Out for 46’ After India Lose to New Zealand in First Test

New Zealand secured an eight-wicket win for their first test victory in India since 1988, beating India to go 1-0 up in the three-match series at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday.

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The Black Caps chased down 107 and humbled the home side early on the final day of the rain-interrupted series opener as Team India skipper Rohit Sharma lauded his side for battling on despite their horrid start.

“It was a good effort with the bat in the second innings. We didn’t bat well in the first innings. So knew what was ahead and couple of guys stood out. When you are 350 behind you can’t think too much about it, just got to see the ball and bat. Couple of partnerships were really exciting to watch. We could have easily been bowled out cheaply but proud of the effort,” Rohit Sharma said at the post-match interview.

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After skittling India for a dismal 46 in the first innings, New Zealand scored 402 before dismissing the hosts again for 462 and chased down their 107-run target.

“I said in my press conference that we knew it will be sticky early on but we didn’t expect to be out for 46,” Rohit said.

“New Zealand bowled well and we failed to respond to that,” he added.

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Sarfaraz Khan scored 150 and Rishabh Pant 99 as their 177 stand led India’s second-innings fightback. Rohit praised the pair for their knocks.

“Everyone is on the edge of the seat when those two bat. Rishabh left a few balls and then played shots. Sarfaraz showed great maturity as well,” he said.

The second Test begins on Thursday in Pune. The third is on November 1 in Mumbai.

(With inputs from Agencies)