Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant's batting heroics weren't suffice for India as New Zealand need just 107 runs to seal the first Test after rain gods forced early conclusion of Day 4's play at the M Chinnaswamy stadium on October 19.
Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant's batting masterclass in vain
Sarfaraz Khan with his blistering 150 and Rishabh Pant with his fiery 99 led India's fightback on Day 4 to help India post 462 runs in their second innings. But even the big score meant only 107-run target for the Kiwis which they will look to overhaul in the first half of the Day 5, provided rain doesn't hinder the match. India could only bowl four balls before the day was called off a little early due to heavy rain. Notably, the lowest target ever defended successfully in a Test by India is 107 against Australia at the Wankhede in 2004. Rohit Sharma's men will have to replicate the 2004's miracle if they have to win the Bengaluru Test.
India's second innings was a tale of two halves. After a disastrous first innings where they were bowled out for 46 runs, they staged a remarkable comeback, largely due to the efforts of Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant. Khan scored a magnificent 150, while Pant contributed a quickfire 99. Their aggressive batting, scoring at a rapid rate of 5.03 runs per over, put India in a commanding position.
NZ trigger India's batting collapse with second new ball
However, New Zealand fought back with the second new ball, taking three wickets in a quick 10.2-over spell. This reduced India to 82/6, swinging the momentum back in New Zealand's favor. The match highlighted the modern trend of aggressive, attacking cricket, where momentum can shift rapidly. While India's batsmen initially dominated, New Zealand's bowlers proved that patience and persistence can pay off, especially with the new ball. Sarfaraz's unorthodox strokes, particularly his late cuts, befuddled the New Zealand bowlers. He effortlessly manipulated the field, finding gaps with precision and timing. His audacious playstyle kept the New Zealand bowlers on their toes, as he repeatedly punished them with stylish strokes.
Rishabh Pant, returning to the crease after missing a day due to injury, quickly reasserted his dominance. He unleashed a flurry of powerful strokes, including a breathtaking six off Tim Southee. His aggressive approach and fearless batting style captivated the crowd. However, a moment of misfortune ended his innings just one run short of a century. William O'Rourke's extra bounce proved to be Pant's undoing, as he edged the ball onto the stumps. It was a cruel blow for Pant, who had been in exceptional form.
William O'Rourke rips through India's batting line-up
India's promising position of 400/3 was short-lived as New Zealand's bowlers, particularly William O'Rourke, unleashed a devastating spell with the second new ball. This dramatic turn in the match saw India lose 17 wickets for just 108 runs across their encounters with the first and third new balls.
O'Rourke's incisive bowling, including a remarkable spell of 3-3-0-3, dismantled India's middle order. His accurate line and length, coupled with the extra bounce and movement offered by the new ball, proved too much for the Indian batsmen.
Ravichandran Ashwin, who offered some resistance, was eventually dismissed by Matt Henry, who also cleaned up the tail-enders. With a modest target of 107 runs to chase, New Zealand are in a strong position to secure a historic victory.
Day 4 of the first Test between India and New Zealand was prematurely cut short due to deteriorating light conditions. A thick cloud cover shrouded the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, prompting the umpires to take the light meter reading. The decision to call off play early caused frustration among the Indian team, led by captain Rohit Sharma. Despite the floodlights being on, the visibility was deemed insufficient for safe play.
As the light conditions worsened, rain clouds loomed on the horizon. The ground staff quickly covered the pitch, while the Indian players, who were waiting in the outfield, were forced to retreat to the pavilion.
