By BD Narayankar
Bengaluru, Oct 19 (UNI) New Zealand will require 107 runs to win the first Test against India after a gripping Day 4 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here.
India staged a remarkable comeback, posting 462 runs in their second innings, led by stellar performances from Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant.
Sarfaraz scored a commanding 150 runs, showcasing maturity and skill, while Rishabh Pant thrilled the crowd with an explosive 99 runs, narrowly missing out on a century. Their partnership of 150 runs was crucial in helping India recover from their first innings collapse, where they were bowled out for just 46 runs.
As the sun began to set, the atmosphere on the field grew tense. It became quite dark, and the umpires converged to take readings on the light meter, ultimately deciding to suspend play. Rohit Sharma and his team were visibly frustrated, wanting the match to continue. Rohit gestured towards the sky, aware that it was a tricky phase for the batters.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Latham and Conway quietly walked away, unwilling to risk continuing in the dimming light.
Despite the Indian team standing firm, the umpires assessed the situation, checking the light at both ends of the ground. A huge dark cloud had settled overhead, significantly diminishing visibility. Rohit appeared to suggest if he could bowl spin, hoping to keep the pressure on the New Zealand batsmen.
However, the umpires referenced the benchmark reading taken on Day 2, which was now lower, leading to their decision to halt play. As many as 44 overs were lost in the day due to bad light.
After the Indian players sauntered into the dressing room, rain began to pour, leading the umpires to call off play for the day.
In the afternoon session, New Zealand fought back by claiming three critical wickets for just 38 runs in the last ten overs before tea. Ravindra Jadeja was dismissed for 5 runs, caught by Will Young off the bowling of William O’Rourke, who took three wickets in the innings and proved effective with the new ball.
India’s lower order faced challenges against a resurgent New Zealand attack, with Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah both falling to Matt Henry. Ashwin was trapped LBW for 15 runs, while both Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj were dismissed without scoring, leaving India with only two wickets remaining.
India went into lunch at 344/3, having reduced the deficit to just 12 runs. Sarfaraz’s steady innings, complemented by Pant’s aggressive batting, set a solid foundation for India’s fightback, which included Pant striking 9 boundaries and 5 sixes, featuring a spectacular 107-meter six off Tim Southee.
As the teams head into the final day, New Zealand will look to chase down the target, while India aims to secure their last wickets and defend their lead in what promises to be an exhilarating finish.
Brief scores
India 46 & 462; New Zealand 402 & 0/0 (0.4); Target for New Zealand: 107 runs; Top Performers: India—Sarfaraz Khan 150, Rishabh Pant 99; New Zealand—William O’Rourke 3 wickets, Matt Henry 3 wickets.
