In a display of thrilling cricket action, the third day of the first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru served up a spectacle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. With a staggering 453 runs scored and 10 wickets falling, it was a day that swung like a pendulum, yet ultimately left New Zealand slightly ahead in the contest, despite a spirited effort from the hosts.
As the dust settled, New Zealand retained their advantage, although India managed to inject fresh intrigue into the game through a robust and aggressive second-innings performance. In their 49 overs at the crease, India took the fight to the Black Caps, scoring at an impressive rate of 4.71 runs per over. They managed to chip away at the daunting first-innings deficit of 356 runs, reducing it to 125 by the close of play. With two days remaining and seven wickets in hand, India’s prospects have seen a revival. Yet, the contest is delicately poised, with New Zealand continuing to hold a strategic position, particularly having claimed the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli (70) on the final ball of the day.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, playing a crucial role in the response, laid the foundation with a brisk 63-ball 52. Teaming up with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who contributed a patient 35, Sharma orchestrated a 72-run opening partnership to kickstart India’s chase. However, Jaiswal, struggling to find his rhythm, fell attempting to capitalize on Ajaz Patel’s left-arm spin, providing New Zealand with a much-needed breakthrough. Moments later, a moment of fortune saw Rohit Sharma dislodged in peculiar fashion. A bottom-edge found its way slowly but surely onto the stumps, leaving the batsman in disbelief and giving New Zealand a psychological lift with a double strike.
Yet, the Indian side refused to fade away, embodying aggressive intent as Sarfaraz Khan entered the scene with ferocity. Attacking the spinners with gusto, Sarfaraz unleashed a flurry of slog-sweeps and late-cuts, showing no mercy to Ajaz Patel and leaving spectators thrilled. Upon the introduction of pace, Sarfaraz did not hesitate, famously dispatching an upper-cut for six over the deep backward point, signaling India’s intent loud and clear.
.
Virat Kohli, on the other hand, joined in the offensive with finesse, taking on the bowlers with characteristic flair. The duo of Kohli and Sarfaraz forged a formidable 136-run partnership, advancing the score at a relentless pace. Unfortunately for India, just when it seemed the pair would see out the day, Glenn Phillips found success. Ignoring a lifeline received earlier, when Ajaz Patel dropped a catch at first slip, Kohli was eventually dismissed, nicking a delivery as New Zealand ended the day with renewed optimism.
Amidst India’s fireworks at the crease, the day was illuminated by a stellar performance from New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra. Continuing his impressive form after a successful tour of Sri Lanka, Ravindra executed a masterclass with the bat, crafting his second Test century. Unperturbed by either pace or spin, he guided New Zealand to a hefty first-innings total with confidence and authority. Partnering with Tim Southee, whose brisk 65 reenforced the innings, Ravindra ensured that India’s bowlers faced an unrelenting task from the beginning.
India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja, showed discipline and drive in their morning endeavour, seeking to curtail New Zealand’s innings decisively. Yet, once Ravindra and Southee synchronized their assault, the hosts found respite elusive. Ravindra’s innings was faultless, India ruefully overlooking their only chance when an LBW call against him on 110 was not reviewed. He pressed on to contribute a further 24 runs, elevating New Zealand’s score by a significant 169 with the last three wickets. Such contributions set India a daunting 356-run deficit.
Despite such challenges, India’s spirited reply has kept the encounter lively, leaving spectators eagerly anticipating what promises to be an electrifying fourth day. As the game hangs in the balance, both sides have everything to play for in this engrossing Test match between two cricketing giants.
Brief scores: India 46 and 231/3 (Sarfaraz Khan 70*, Virat Kohli 70, Rohit Sharma 52; Ajaz Patel 2-70) trail New Zealand 402 (Rachin Ravindra 134, Devon Conway 91; Ravindra Jadeja 3-72) by 125 runs.