NEW DELHI: Workforce India confronted heavy criticism after their batting collapse, being bowled out for a mere 46 within the first innings of the opening Take a look at in opposition to New Zealand in Bengaluru. Rohit Sharma’s resolution to bat first backfired spectacularly, and the Indian captain later admitted he had misjudged the pitch situations.
New Zealand responded with a robust whole of 402, led by an excellent 134 from Rachin Ravindra, a composed 91 by Devon Conway, and a quickfire 65 from Tim Southee, giving them a commanding 356-run lead.
In India’s second innings, they got here out with a renewed method. After dropping Rohit Sharma (52), Yashasvi Jaiswal (35), and Virat Kohli (70), the resistance was led by a 177-run stand between Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant.Sarfaraz notched up his maiden Take a look at century, scoring 150 off 195 balls, whereas Pant fell heartbreakingly wanting 100, dismissed for 99. Sarfaraz additionally turned the third Indian batter to attain each a duck and 150-plus in the identical match.
THE COLLAPSE BEGINS
Simply earlier than tea on Day 4, New Zealand opted for the second new ball following a quick dialogue between captain Tom Latham, Tim Southee, and William O’Rourke. From that second, India’s innings took a pointy downward flip.
Tim Southee struck first, dismissing Sarfaraz Khan within the 85th over. The true blow, nevertheless, got here within the 89th over when O’Rourke bowled Rishabh Pant, who had been India’s spine.
This triggered a fast collapse, as India’s lower-middle order struggled in opposition to the brand new ball. O’Rourke quickly had KL Rahul caught behind for 12, and Ravindra Jadeja adopted shortly after, dismissed for 5.
Matt Henry then trapped Ravichandran Ashwin lbw for 15 earlier than operating by the tail, taking two wickets within the span of six deliveries. India misplaced their final six wickets for simply 29 runs, collapsing from 408-Three to 462 all out in 99.Three overs, dropping seven wickets for 54 runs in whole.
CAN INDIA DEFEND 107?
New Zealand require 107 runs to safe their first Take a look at victory on Indian soil since 1988. This marks the identical goal India efficiently defended in opposition to Australia in Mumbai in 2004, which is the bottom whole they’ve defended to win a Take a look at at residence.
At stumps on a rain-affected Day 4, the Black Caps had but to attain of their second innings when play was halted because of darkness.
The burning query on each fan’s thoughts is: Can India obtain a exceptional victory on the ultimate day by defending 107 runs in opposition to New Zealand?
Whereas New Zealand presently seem to carry the benefit, India’s pacers have some help, and with the spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav within the squad, a miracle remains to be inside attain.
Curiously, India’s lowest profitable goal defended in a Take a look at match stands at 107 runs, achieved in opposition to Australia (93) on the Wankhede Stadium in 2004, the place spinners claimed 9 wickets, together with a five-wicket haul by Harbhajan Singh.
India presently lead the World Take a look at Championship standings, and a 3-Zero collection victory over New Zealand would nearly assure their place within the last at Lord’s subsequent June.
