Despite Team India's fightback, New Zealand still enjoyed a 125-run lead after the close of Day 3 in the first Test being played at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru. After bowling out India for a paltry 46 runs in the first innings, New Zealand amassed a massive 402 runs, securing a colossal 356-run lead.
Rohit, Virat, Sarfaraz come to India's rescue with crucial fifties
India's batting woes continued in the second innings, but Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan provided a glimmer of hope. After Rohit Sharma perished for 52 runs, the duo of Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan put together a valuable partnership, with both batsmen scoring half-centuries. However, Kohli's dismissal on the final ball of the day left India placed at 231/3 yet trailing by 125 runs with Sarfaraz unbeaten on 70.
Rachin Ravindra's ton piles misery on India
New Zealand resumed their innings on Day 3 with a solid foundation, starting at 180/3. However, India's bowlers, including Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah, fought back, reducing New Zealand to 233/7.
A crucial 137-run partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee turned the tide for New Zealand. Ravindra, in particular, played a dominant role, scoring a magnificent century. Despite facing pressure from Bumrah and Jadeja, Rachin continued to score runs, reaching his hundred in the 80th over. His impressive knock of 134 runs included 13 fours and 4 sixes. This century marked a big milestone for Rachin, as he became the first New Zealand batter to score a Test century in India since Ross Taylor's 113 in 2012. It was also his second Test century and the fourth-highest individual score by a New Zealand batter in India.
Tim Southee's blistering fifty for Kiwis
Tim Southee came to the crease when New Zealand were struggling at 233/7. He played a blistering knock, scoring 65 runs off just 73 balls, including 5 fours and 4 sixes. His aggressive batting against both pace and spin bowlers was impressive. With his third six in the innings, Southee surpassed Virender Sehwag's record for the most sixes in Test cricket. New Zealand's innings ended with a massive 356-run lead over India. This is the joint fourth-largest lead taken by a visiting team against India in India. The last time a visiting team achieved such a significant lead was in 1948 when the West Indies took a 356-run lead against India at the Brabourne Stadium.
Ajaz Patel cuts short Rohit Sharma's batting show
India's openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, started their innings with a positive intent, despite a colossal total hanging over their head. They built a solid 72-run partnership, setting a strong foundation for the team. However, Jaiswal's departure brought Virat Kohli to the crease. Rohit Sharma continued to play aggressively, reaching his half-century with a couple of boundaries. However, he was dismissed by Ajaz Patel, ending a promising innings of 52 runs.
Kohli (70) and Sarfaraz Khan (70 not out) then formed a crucial partnership, rebuilding India's innings. While Kohli took his time to settle in, Sarfaraz displayed aggressive strokeplay, attacking the spinners and seamers alike. Kohli, who had a disappointing first innings, made amends with a quickfire half-century. He also achieved the milestone of 9,000 Test runs, becoming the fourth Indian to do so. However, Kohli felly prey to Glenn Phillips after scoring 70 right before the bails were drawn. Sarfaraz continued his impressive form, remaining unbeaten on 70 at the end of the day. His aggressive batting and Kohli's experience provided India with a glimmer of hope, as they look to chase down the challenging target.
