The third day of the first Test match between India and New Zealand at Bengaluru’s storied cricket grounds transformed into an electrifying spectacle for the fans, as both sides battled fiercely, making the day one of high drama and intense cricket. In a testament to both teams’ dedication, 453 runs cascaded onto the scoreboard, while ten wickets tumbled, providing a cat-and-mouse contest filled with unexpected twists and turns in the game.
New Zealand ended the day retaining their advantageous position, holding the upper hand thanks to a formidable first innings lead. However, the hosts, India, showcased an aggressive and spirited display of batting in their second innings, setting the stage for an enthralling contest over the remaining two days of the Test match. The Indian side managed an impressive scoring rate of 4.71 runs per over across the 49 overs they faced, slashing their enormous 356-run first innings deficit down to 125 runs. With seven wickets still in hand, India has significantly improved their chances, though the late loss of their star player Virat Kohli adds a layer of complexity to their challenge.
The Indian innings was ignited by Captain Rohit Sharma, who’s dynamic 63-ball knock of 52 runs set the tone for India’s fightback. Forming a potent opening partnership, Sharma and young Yashasvi Jaiswal added 72 runs to the scoreboard, suggesting an assertive intent from the hosts. While Jaiswal, crafting a cautious 35, couldn’t find his rhythm and fell attempting to counterattack on Ajaz Patel’s favourable spin, it was Sharma’s unfortunate dismissal that shocked many – a bottom-edge rolling sluggishly onto the stumps almost in surreal slow-motion. These two setbacks momentarily handed the momentum back to the visiting Black Caps.
Displaying resilience and attacking flair, Sarfaraz Khan then strode to the crease and immediately positioned himself at the forefront against the New Zealand spinners, delivering a whirlwind performance. His assault on Ajaz Patel, punctuated by powerful slog-sweeps and deft late-cuts, invigorated India’s innings. Such was Sarfaraz’s confidence that he audaciously dispatched a bouncer for six with an upper-cut over deep backward point when pace was reintroduced to the attack.
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In parallel, batting maestro Virat Kohli displayed sublime control and elegance, facing the spinners with supreme confidence. Together with Sarfaraz, Kohli forged a 136-run partnership off just 136 balls, catapulting India back into the contest at an exhilarating pace. Just as the duo seemed set to steer India to the end of the day’s play without further damage, Kohli fell victim to a late over’s trap—the day’s concluding delivery took his edge off Glenn Phillips’s off-spin, where Ajaz Patel made amends for his earlier slip-up at first slip, clinching a morale-boosting wicket for the visitors.
Despite a spirited showing by the Indian lineup, the day’s plaudits primarily belonged to New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra. The young all-rounder, fresh off a successful run in Sri Lanka, batted with assurance and tenacity to compile his second Test century, a magnificent 134 that underpinned New Zealand’s commanding first innings total. He mastered the conditions, navigating varied Indian bowling with poise, even as wickets fell around him. In partnership with the seasoned Tim Southee (who contributed a valuable 65), Ravindra ensured New Zealand amassed a daunting 402 runs, effectively frustrating India’s aspirations of mopping up the lower order quickly.
Ravindra’s seamless knock was virtually flawless, with only a solitary chance coming when he reached 110 runs—a marginal LBW decision off Kuldeep Yadav that went unreviewed. Seizing this reprieve, he accumulated an additional 24 runs, instrumental in pushing New Zealand’s final session dominance. The Indian bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja, toiled earnestly in the morning session, but the Ravindra and Southee partnership blunted their efforts, extending the Kiwi advantage.
The Test match has shaped up for a high-octane fourth day, with India eyeing a strong position while New Zealand, though slightly ahead, aims to capitalise and extend their tactical edge. How the pendulum will swing remains the ultimate question in this riveting encounter.
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.