Rain Disrupts Day 4 as New Zealand Close in on Victory in Bengaluru
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| The lowest target ever defended successfully in a Test by India is 107 against Australia at the Wankhede in 2004./ Getty |
The highly anticipated series opener between India and New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has been marred by rain, but the action that has unfolded thus far has been nothing short of thrilling. As Day 4 concluded with bad light and rain interrupting play, New Zealand find themselves just 107 runs away from taking the lead in this three-match series, needing a solid performance on the final day to complete the task.
After India’s batting collapse in the second innings, New Zealand’s openers managed only four deliveries from Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah before bad light forced the players off the field. Tom Latham faced the challenging conditions head-on, surviving a close lbw appeal as Bumrah began to find his rhythm. However, the weather had the final say, with rain curtailing play for the rest of the day.
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| Sarfaraz Khan scored a maiden Test century. / Getty |
Earlier, India had put up a valiant fightback, thanks to a monumental 177-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant. Trailing by 356 runs, the duo showed remarkable maturity to lead India into a commanding position. Sarfaraz continued his scintillating run in Test cricket, converting his fifty into a maiden century and going on to score a brilliant 150. Pant, on the other hand, was aggressive and audacious as ever, coming agonizingly close to a century but falling for 99 after a few nervy moments.
However, the second new ball swung the momentum in New Zealand’s favor. Tim Southee, William O'Rourke, and Matt Henry struck crucial blows, triggering yet another collapse in India’s batting lineup. Sarfaraz’s dismissal was the turning point, as India lost 7 wickets for just 54 runs. The visitors wrapped up the Indian innings at 462, with India only managing a slender lead of 106 runs.
William O'Rourke (3/92) and Matt Henry (3/102) were the pick of the bowlers, while Tim Southee (1/53) provided vital breakthroughs. New Zealand’s bowling attack took full advantage of the conditions with the second new ball, showing discipline and accuracy to dismantle India’s lower order.
With rain playing spoilsport, New Zealand will hope for at least one session of play on the final day to push for a win. India, meanwhile, will need an inspired bowling performance to pull off a dramatic victory and prevent New Zealand from taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
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| The weather has been a factor, with rain and poor light conditions interrupting play. / Getty |
If the weather allows for play on Day 5, fans are in for a gripping finish to what has been an enthralling Test match so far.