Team India played their last match at Kanpur Cricket Stadium against New Zealand on 3rd October 2021. The match ended in a thrilling draw, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the very last ball. The post IND vs BAN: When was the last time India played a Test match in Kanpur Cricket Stadium? This question has been on the minds of many cricket enthusiasts, and the answer is now etched in history.
The Kanpur Cricket Stadium, also known as Green Park Stadium, has been a witness to many memorable matches over the years. It is the largest cricket stadium in Uttar Pradesh and has a capacity of over 45,000 spectators. The stadium has hosted numerous international and domestic matches, making it a popular destination for cricket fans.
The last time India played a Test match at Kanpur Cricket Stadium was in 2016 against New Zealand. It was the first match of the three-match Test series, and the excitement was palpable among the fans. The Indian team, led by Virat Kohli, was determined to start the series on a winning note, while New Zealand was looking to make a strong comeback after losing the preceding ODI series.
The match began with India winning the toss and electing to bat first. The Indian openers, Murali Vijay and KL Rahul, got off to a solid start, putting up a partnership of 112 runs. However, New Zealand’s bowlers fought back, and India lost quick wickets, including that of Virat Kohli. It was then up to Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma to steady the ship, and they did just that. Rahane scored a brilliant century, while Rohit Sharma scored a crucial 35 runs, helping India reach a respectable total of 318 runs in their first innings.
New Zealand, in response, got off to a shaky start, losing their top-order batsmen early on. However, their middle-order batsmen, Tom Latham and Ross Taylor, put up a strong fight and scored half-centuries each. The Indian bowlers, led by Ravichandran Ashwin, kept taking wickets at regular intervals, but New Zealand managed to reach a total of 262 runs in their first innings.
With a lead of 56 runs, India came out to bat in their second innings. The openers once again provided a solid start, with Murali Vijay scoring a half-century. However, the middle-order batsmen failed to capitalize on the start, and India was soon struggling at 204-6. It was then up to the lower-order batsmen, Ravindra Jadeja and Wriddhiman Saha, to save the day for India. They put up a crucial partnership of 41 runs, helping India reach a total of 377 runs in their second innings, setting a target of 434 runs for New Zealand to win.
The final day of the match saw a thrilling battle between the two teams. New Zealand’s openers, Tom Latham and Martin Guptill, got off to a solid start, putting up a partnership of 118 runs. However, once again, the Indian bowlers fought back, and New Zealand lost quick wickets. It was a nail-biting finish as New Zealand needed 6 runs to win off the last over with just one wicket in hand. But the Indian bowlers held their nerve and managed to take the final wicket, resulting in a draw.
The match was a perfect display of grit and determination from both teams. It was a testament to the fact that Test cricket is the ultimate test of a player’s skills and endurance. The Kanpur Cricket Stadium once again proved to be a lucky ground for India, as they maintained their unbeaten record at the stadium.
The match also marked the end of an era as it was the last Test match for Indian cricketer, Gautam Gambhir. He announced his retirement from international cricket after the match, making it an emotional moment for his fans and teammates.
In conclusion, the last Test match played by India at Kanpur Cricket Stadium was a memorable one. It was a fitting end to a series that was filled with intense competition and thrilling moments. The stadium once again proved to be a lucky ground for India, and the fans were treated to an exciting match. As we look forward to more matches at this iconic stadium, we can only hope for more such thrilling encounters in
