In a dramatic turn of events at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Rishabh Pant’s dazzling innings kept India’s hopes alive as the team navigates through choppy waters in the third and final Test against New Zealand. As the morning session concluded on the third day, India’s batting lineup faced formidable challenges, yet Pant’s unbeaten half-century has given the hosts a glimmer of hope against the odds.
The target of 147 on a deteriorating pitch presented a formidable task for the Indian side. Coming into bat after wrapping up New Zealand’s innings at 174, India found themselves pushed onto the back foot almost immediately. The calamitous collapse of top-order batsmen left India struggling at 29/5 by the seventh over, but Pant remained undeterred amid the turmoil. Displaying immense skill and nerve, the left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman attacked New Zealand’s spin threat with calculated aggression, constantly putting the pressure back on the visitors.
Ravindra Jadeja provided crucial support, partnering with Pant for a 42-run stand. Although Jadeja’s dismissal just before the lunch break added to India’s woes, his steadfast presence gave Pant the breathing room needed to launch his counter-attack. Joining Pant, Washington Sundar has shown promising form. The duo at the crease could determine India’s fate in their attempt to avoid a clean sweep by the Kiwis on home soil.
The day’s play commenced with a notable achievement for Jadeja, who claimed New Zealand’s final wicket, securing his second five-wicket haul of the match. His stellar performance was a testament to his growth as an all-rounder, capable of influencing the game on both fronts. With a target of 147 set for India to chase, expectations were high for the home team to mount a strong response against their formidable opponents.
Unfortunately for India, their innings began on shaky ground. The visitors, determined to clinch a historic series sweep, seized the opening provided by India’s top order. Rohit Sharma’s struggles in the series persisted as he fell to a mistimed pull shot off the bowling of Matt Henry.
. New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly the spinners, were quick to capitalize on their early breakthrough.
Ajaz Patel, New Zealand’s star spinner, continued to wreak havoc on India’s batsmen, demonstrating the growing vulnerability of Indian players to spin. Shubman Gill, misjudging an arm-ball, left a gaping hole in India’s top order, while Ajaz struck a crucial blow by removing Virat Kohli, who again appeared uneasy against the turning ball. Kohli’s dismissal, edging a sharp-turning delivery, highlighted his struggles to regain form against quality spin.
Further complicating matters, Yashasvi Jaiswal was trapped leg-before by an in-drifting delivery from Glenn Phillips, while Sarfaraz Khan’s attempt to sweep resulted in a top-edge, leading to his downfall. This sequence of dismissals underlined the fragile state of India’s batting lineup, which has often looked vulnerable throughout the series.
Amidst this turmoil, Pant stepped up to the challenge, showcasing superb footwork and intent against the Kiwi spinners. He aimed to disrupt their rhythm, and, despite some risky moments, succeeded in keeping the scoreboard ticking. Pant’s fearless approach brought much-needed energy to India’s innings, but it also presented the risk of losing momentum if he did not receive adequate support from his teammates.
As Pant and Jadeja found some level of stability, India’s nerves calmed slightly, though Jadeja’s removal by a spectacular catch from Will Young at short leg reminded everyone of the fragile situation. Sundar offered a chance before lunch, one that Devon Conway failed to grasp, providing some respite to the home side as they cling onto hope.
With another 55 runs required for victory and only four wickets in hand, the match is teetering on a knife-edge. Pant remains pivotal to India’s fortunes, standing as the primary obstacle between New Zealand and their aspirations for a historic whitewash. As the day progresses, cricket fans can anticipate more twists and turns in this gripping contest of skill and resilience.
Brief scores at lunch: New Zealand 235 and 174 (Will Young 51; Ravindra Jadeja 5-55, Ravichandran Ashwin 3-63) lead India 263 and 92/6 (Rishabh Pant 53*; Ajaz Patel 4-43) by 54 runs.