In a thrilling display of Test cricket, India surged with an incredible partnership between Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant but eventually crumbled under the pressure of New Zealand’s second new ball. The collapse left New Zealand needing just 107 runs to secure their first Test win in India in 36 years.
At stumps on day four, New Zealand stood at 0 for 0, chasing a modest target of 107 after bowling India out for 462 in their second innings. The game showcased the highs and lows of Test cricket, with India losing 17 wickets for just 108 runs to the first and third new balls while scoring 400 for 3 in 80 overs in between.
Sarfaraz (150) and Pant (99) staged a counterattack with a 177-run stand, aiming to overturn India’s dismal first innings total of 46. Their audacious approach kept the bowlers under pressure, but the second new ball, wielded masterfully by Will O’Rourke and Matt Henry, turned the tide. O’Rourke’s fiery spell (3-3-0-3) and Henry’s precise seam movement dismantled India, who lost their last seven wickets for just 54 runs.
Sarfaraz showcased creativity and resilience, reaching his maiden Test century and extending it to 150 with late cuts, ramps, and cheeky singles. Pant, despite limited mobility due to a knee injury, matched his partner’s aggression, hammering five sixes to climb India’s all-time six-hitters list in Tests. His dismissal on 99, gloving O’Rourke’s delivery, marked his seventh Test dismissal in the nineties.
New Zealand’s bowlers, who had been pummeled during India’s recovery, showed remarkable persistence with the new ball. They forced 43 false shots in just 20 overs compared to 72 in the previous 80. O’Rourke’s bounce and nip dismissed key players, including KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, while Henry’s unbroken 10-over spell cleaned up the tail.
The day’s drama also featured innovative shot-making, close calls, and bold fielding decisions. Sarfaraz ramped and bisected fields with ease, while Pant audaciously slog-swept fast bowlers and attacked spin. Their onslaught revived India’s hopes but ultimately set up New Zealand for a historic win.
Rain interruptions added to the tension, with India oscillating between praying for the weather to clear and hoping for a storm to disrupt play. When bad light stopped play, New Zealand’s victory was within sight, though India had hoped the moving new ball under lights might spark an improbable turnaround.
As the Test approaches its final moments, New Zealand stands on the brink of ending a 36-year drought of wins in India, a testament to the relentless ebb and flow of this remarkable match.
Updated on 19th October, 2024 by MyFortune11