In a thrilling display of cricket, India managed to solidify their position in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, thanks to a formidable 177-run partnership between Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant. This stand was instrumental in ensuring India overcame the first-innings deficit and established a lead of 82 runs at 438 for 6, with four sessions still remaining in the Test match.
The second day of play saw a minor disruption, leading to an early Lunch break and a delayed start to the post-Lunch session. However, this interruption did little to affect the momentum of Sarfaraz and Pant, who had demonstrated fine form from the morning itself. Although the pair took a slightly cautious approach, the New Zealand field placements allowed them to rotate the strike regularly, picking up singles and dismantling the field occasionally with boundaries. Sarfaraz, known for his creativity, effectively maneuvered the field to his advantage, while Pant periodically challenged the boundary fielders, underscoring the duo’s dominance at the crease.
As the innings progressed, the batsmen appeared in absolute control of the old ball. However, the game witnessed a significant shift about 45 minutes before the scheduled Tea break. New Zealand opted to take the second new ball, and it soon started troubling the Indian batsmen with its extra bounce and movement. Sarfaraz, looking to capitalize on the new ball’s pace, initiated an aggressive assault on Tim Southee. However, Southee’s away movement eventually outsmarted Sarfaraz, who was beaten comprehensively. Despite this setback, Sarfaraz’s tenacity shone through as he reached his 11th first-class 150 shortly before driving Southee into a cover fielder, ending his resilient stay at the crease.
Pant, on his part, continued his fluent innings, consistently finding gaps and even displaying a bit of flair with a slogsweep off Southee that soared for six.
. As Pant inched closer to another Test century, his resilience was put to the test by William O’Rourke. Unfortunately, Pant fell agonizingly short of his hundred, chopping an O’Rourke delivery onto his stumps when he was one run away from the milestone.
KL Rahul, who had been waiting in the dressing room for his chance, did not enjoy much time at the crease. His innings were cut short just before Tea as he edged a delivery to the ‘keeper. Earlier during the rain-affected morning session, Sarfaraz and Pant had gallantly spearheaded India’s charge, adding 113 runs and reducing the deficit to a mere dozen runs by Lunch. The near-flawless nature of their partnership was exemplified by just a couple of leg-before appeals against Pant and a missed run-out opportunity that could have swung the momentum in New Zealand’s favor.
In earlier parts of the innings, Sarfaraz showed an adept handling of balls outside the off-stump, employing a variety of strokes including punches, cuts, dabs, and lofts as he marched towards his maiden Test hundred. He, along with Pant, not only stabilized the Indian innings but also laid a strong foundation for India to take command of the Test.
With India now leading New Zealand by 82 runs, following their 438/6 response to New Zealand’s first innings total of 402, the stage is set for an intriguing continuation. New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra (134) and Devon Conway (91) had exerted substantial efforts with the bat, but thanks to Ravindra Jadeja’s 3-72, India had managed to limit New Zealand’s total.
The match stands finely balanced as it ventures into its concluding stages, with India holding the upper hand. They would need to continue their dominant performance if they are to translate this position into a victory. As the Test progresses, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await to see whether New Zealand can mount a counterattack or whether India will consolidate their lead and press for a win.