Highest Test partnerships by Indians in New Zealand

#1 204 run 2nd wicket stand between Sunil Gavaskar and Surinder Amarnath at Auckland, 1976

Sunil Gavaskar

The highest partnership by an Indian batting pair in New Zealand also came about in a Test match that the team won and that perhaps makes the 204 run second wicket stand a special one. In the first test of the series in New Zealand back in 1976, India dismissed New Zealand for 266 in the first innings, thanks to Bhagwath Chandrasekhar’s superb six-wicket haul. However, they had to drive home the advantage and that was achieved by star opener Sunil Gavaskar and debutant Surinder Amarnath.

Gavaskar’s opening partner Vengsarkar was dismissed with the score on 16 but then the counterattack from left-handed debutante Surinder Amarnath helped India dominate the home side’s bowling attack. Gavaskar was patience personified as he made 116 in 368 minutes and hit 15 fours along with a six, but Amarnath played his strokes with merry abandon.

He hit 16 fours and a six to make 124 as India firmly established themselves in control of the game. The 204 run second wicket stand was pivotal towards India gaining a lead in a game that they went on to win by eight wickets.