During the second Test of India’s tour to New Zealand on this day in 2014, the home team found themselves in a precarious position, seemingly on the verge of losing their 1-0 lead. While McCullum achieved his triple century, Virat Kohli countered with a brilliant century to ensure India did not suffer defeat.
Brendon McCullum’s historic triple century:
McCullum partnered with BJ Watling to forge a remarkable 346-run stand for the sixth wicket, followed by a 179-run partnership with debutant Jimmy Neesham, who reached a century. Despite battling knee, shoulder, and back injuries, McCullum showcased remarkable concentration. Each run and record was greeted with thunderous applause.
In the 200th over, McCullum guided a delivery from Zaheer Khan to make history as New Zealand’s first triple centurion, accumulating 302 runs, including 32 fours and four sixes. This monumental effort led New Zealand to draw the match and secure their first series win against India in 12 years.
Virat Kohli saves the Day for India
India navigated through the four overs before lunch but lost their openers to Trent Boult and Tim Southee in the first two overs after the break. Shikhar Dhawan fell to a delivery that seemed destined to clear the stumps, while Steve Davis missed an opportunity to dismiss Kohli. Southee’s aggressive short-pitched bowling troubled Cheteshwar Pujara, creating further chances before tea.
Despite the resemblance to the historic Kolkata Test, Kohli’s outstanding performance made the difference in this match. He concluded the New Zealand summer with a dazzling display of strokes, preventing any chance for New Zealand to seize momentum. Kohli’s achievements included becoming the 16th Indian batsman with three or more centuries outside Asia and Zimbabwe.
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