Despite earlier forecasts predicting rain disruptions, the India vs. New Zealand Test in Bengaluru has remarkably seen nearly three full days of play. As the Test heads into its final day, New Zealand is better positioned to claim victory, but the weather could still play a significant role.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, Bengaluru will experience “generally cloudy skies with occasional spells of rain or thundershowers” on Sunday, while AccuWeather predicts “thunderstorms from late Saturday night through Sunday evening.” This forecast could benefit India, who are defending a modest target, hoping that the weather limits New Zealand’s chances to chase down the 107 runs they need with all ten second-innings wickets intact. New Zealand, still smarting from a 2-0 series loss in Sri Lanka and considered underdogs in this series, will be hoping for enough uninterrupted play to secure a win.
The first day of the match was entirely lost to persistent rain, leaving the covers in place all day. Play eventually resumed on the second morning under overcast skies, and New Zealand’s bowlers took full advantage of the conditions, bundling out India for a mere 46 runs. In reply, New Zealand posted 402, and India responded with a solid 462, leaving New Zealand a manageable target of 107 to win.
M Chinnaswamy Stadium boasts a world-class drainage system and a subsurface aeration setup, allowing play to resume quickly after rain. However, scattered thunderstorms could still interfere with the final day’s proceedings.
Sarfaraz and Pant’s Resistance Followed by Collapse Sets Up a Thrilling Finale
India’s second innings was a mixed bag, with three wickets each from William O’Rourke and Matt Henry dismissing the home team for 462, setting New Zealand a target of 107 to win. The fourth day witnessed a dramatic shift in momentum.
Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant spearheaded India’s resistance in a rain-affected first session, steadily chipping away at New Zealand’s lead. Sarfaraz, playing with flair, scored freely through point and third man, while Pant launched a brutal assault on Ajaz Patel, smashing him for two sixes and a four in a single over. Together, they added a crucial 177-run stand, propelling India into a commanding position.
However, the introduction of the second new ball tilted the balance in New Zealand’s favor. Sarfaraz, after completing his maiden Test century, was undone by a mistimed drive off Tim Southee. Pant, aggressive as always, continued to dominate, even sending a Southee delivery over the boundary for a massive 107-meter six. Unfortunately, his innings ended heartbreakingly on 99, chopping a ball from O’Rourke back onto his stumps.
New Zealand’s bowlers capitalized on Pant’s dismissal, swiftly running through India’s tail. KL Rahul edged to the keeper just before tea, and Ravindra Jadeja fell shortly after, miscuing a pull shot. Henry then cleaned up the lower order, trapping Ravichandran Ashwin lbw, dismissing Jasprit Bumrah, and getting Siraj caught at mid-on.
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With India defending a target of just 107, the match is poised for a tense conclusion. While the lowest total India has successfully defended in Tests is 107 against Australia at Wankhede in 2004, the Chinnaswamy pitch may not offer as much assistance to the spinners this time. And with rain likely to interrupt play, the Test is heading for a thrilling finish.
Brief scores:
India 46 and 462 (Sarfaraz Khan 150, Rishabh Pant 99; William O’Rourke 3-92, Matt Henry 3-102) lead New Zealand 402 (Rachin Ravindra 134, Devon Conway 91; Ravindra Jadeja 3-72) & 0 for no loss by 106 runs.
