In a dramatic morning of Test cricket in Mumbai, Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten half-century has emerged as a beacon of hope for India amidst seemingly insurmountable odds. On the third day of the final Test against New Zealand, Pant’s audacious batting took center stage on a crumbling wicket, as India stumbled to 92/6 at the lunch break. New Zealand, eyeing an unprecedented 3-0 series sweep on Indian soil, appeared to hold the upper hand thanks to a disciplined bowling performance that left the hosts struggling to reach a target of 147.
From the outset, the morning session promised intense action, with India needing to harness every ounce of skill to prevent a series whitewash. A glint of hope arrived early when Ravindra Jadeja, completing a remarkable individual performance, wrapped up New Zealand’s innings by claiming the final wicket of Ajaz Patel. This success marked Jadeja’s second five-wicket haul in the same game, a testament to the all-rounder’s tenacity and artistry with the ball. Despite the setback, the visitors remained 54 runs ahead as India embarked on their chase.
However, the pursuit of 147 began disastrously for India, with the top order crumbling like a house of cards. Within the first seven overs, the team found itself in dire straits at 29 for 5. Rohit Sharma, under scrutiny for his struggles throughout the series, failed to inspire confidence as he mishit a pull shot off Matt Henry, initiating a collapse that left the Indian dressing room in palpable discomfort. The early dismissal of Sharma opened up opportunities for New Zealand, and the bowlers wasted no time in exploding through the Indian lineup.
Ajaz Patel, the tormentor-in-chief for India in this series, once again played a pivotal role in unsettling the Indian batsmen. His deft spin and guile were on full display as he dismantled India’s middle order. A notable victim was Shubman Gill. Succumbing to misjudgment against Ajaz’s spin, Gill was bowled by a seemingly innocuous arm-ball. Virat Kohli, another crucial wicket, looked tentative facing the spin, eventually nicking the ball to slip following a massive turn that bamboozled the Indian skipper.
. Ajaz’s assault continued as he collected the prized scalps, leaving India precariously tottering.
In tumultuous circumstances, Rishabh Pant emerged as the linchpin of India’s crumbling innings. The young wicketkeeper-batsman, known for his penchant for fearless cricket, opted for his usual aggressive style. With quick footwork and calculated daring, Pant plundered the New Zealand bowlers, pushing them onto the back foot. He cleverly utilized the crease, refusing to allow the spinners to settle into a rhythm. His positive approach heralded a counterattacking move, providing Indian fans a glimmer of hope amid a bleak scenario.
Partnerships promised stability but proved fleeting. Ravindra Jadeja, despite his earlier heroics with the ball, could not replicate the same steadfastness with the bat and departed at a crucial juncture when his wicket was snarled by a remarkable short-leg catch from Will Young. The departure of Jadeja cast a shadow over India’s chase, yet Pant remained unfazed.
Washington Sundar, alongside Pant, strived to provide some resistance. Sundar’s assured presence at the crease lent support to Pant’s endeavors, forging a partnership that became crucial to the final outcome. As the session drew close to lunch, tensions simmered on both sides. Sundar presented New Zealand with a fleeting chance, a breakthrough that slipped through Devon Conway’s fingers just before the break.
With India requiring another 55 runs and four wickets remaining, the match is finely poised for an electrifying climax. As the teams regroup for the afternoon session, it remains to be seen if Pant’s audacity can carry India across the finish line or if New Zealand’s disciplined attack will etch a historic series victory. The next few hours promise thrilling cricket, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats, as India fights to thwart New Zealand’s whitewash aspirations.