India's captain Rohit Sharma and veteran batsman Virat Kohli were visibly frustrated at the end of Day 4 of the first Test against New Zealand. The match, heading towards a thrilling conclusion at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, saw India stage a remarkable comeback after their dismal first innings performance.
New Zealand have edge despite India's fightback in first Test
India, who were bowled out for a paltry 46 runs in their first innings, responded with a much-improved performance in the second innings. They posted a total of 462 runs, setting a target of 106 runs for New Zealand.
Why did Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli involve in heated exchange with umpires?
India's fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was particularly impressive, exploiting the overcast conditions to generate swing and seam. He troubled New Zealand captain Tom Latham, beating him on multiple occasions and almost dismissed him. After four deliveries of the over, the on-field umpires decided to halt play due to deteriorating light conditions. The gloomy atmosphere at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru prompted the match officials to prioritize player safety, leading to the decision to abandon play for the day.
This decision did not sit well with India's captain Rohit Sharma and senior batsman Virat Kohli. Both players expressed their disappointment with the umpires' decision, as they were eager to bowl a few more overs under the available light. India's strategy was to capitalize on the overcast conditions and take early wickets, but the premature end to the day's play disrupted their plans.
Day four of the first Test between India and New Zealand was a rollercoaster of emotions. The day began with India continuing their strong performance from the previous day. Sarfaraz Khan, who had started his innings on a strong note, went on to score a magnificent century. He ended up scoring 150 runs off 195 balls. His partnership with Rishabh Pant, who was in aggressive form, put India in a commanding position.
The duo added 177 runs for the fourth wicket, taking the attack to the New Zealand bowlers. However, Pant's dream of a century was cut short as he was dismissed on 99 runs.
However, the introduction of the second new ball completely turned the tide of the match. New Zealand's bowlers exploited the conditions to perfection, dismissing India's batsmen in quick succession. Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke's three-fers triggered India's batting collapse and eventually bowled them out for 462 in hosts' second essay, setting New Zealand a target of 107 runs to win. Play was halted early on Day 4 due to deteriorating light conditions. New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway survived the initial four balls, leaving the visitors needing 107 runs to secure a historic victory.
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.
