In a Test match filled with twists and turns, Rishabh Pant has emerged as India’s beacon of hope with an indomitable 50-ball 53 not out that has kept the hosts in the contest against New Zealand. Despite an arduous morning session on day three of the final Test in Mumbai, India entered the lunch break clinging to their ambitions of clinching the match, even as New Zealand harbors dreams of completing a historic 3-0 series sweep.
Set with a formidable chase target of 147 on a deteriorating pitch, the Indian batting line-up faced an early collapse, finding themselves at a perilous 29/5 by the seventh over. However, Pant, undeterred by the rapidly crumbling situation, staged a counteroffensive with his characteristic aggressive playstyle. His presence at the crease offered a glimmer of hope as he partnered with Ravindra Jadeja, contributing to a crucial 42-run stand before Jadeja’s elimination threatened to further tilt the balance of the game. Washington Sundar entered the fray with apparent confidence, and their partnership is pivotal, possibly determining the outcome for the home side.
The day commenced with Jadeja’s heroics as he dismissed Ajaz Patel, securing yet another five-wicket haul in Tests—his second such achievement in the same match. India, facing a target of 147 to avoid succumbing to a whitewash on home soil, started their innings with high stakes. New Zealand, however, immediately put India under pressure. Captain Rohit Sharma continued his series-long struggle, falling victim to a miscued pull shot off Matt Henry’s bowling, thereby opening the floodgates for New Zealand to exploit India’s vulnerability.
The Indian batting lineup, once again exposed to their spin weakness, faltered in the face of Ajaz Patel’s menacing deliveries. Shubman Gill’s disastrous misjudgment led to him leaving an arm-ball that bowled him. Meanwhile, Ajaz delivered a blow to India’s innings by dismissing Virat Kohli, whose struggles against spin were evident once more.
. Kohli succumbed to the sharp turn and drift of Ajaz’s delivery, edging it to slip. Yashasvi Jaiswal was similarly outplayed by Glenn Phillips, receiving an in-drifter that pinned him leg before wicket. Sarfaraz Khan’s attempted sweep of a full-toss resulted in a top-edge, comfortably caught by the opposition.
Against this backdrop, Pant stood firm against New Zealand’s spinners, employing deft footwork and aggressive intent. He played with calculated recklessness, ensuring the bowlers couldn’t settle into a rhythm. The Pant-Jadeja partnership appeared to be stabilizing India’s innings until Will Young’s extraordinary catch at short leg sent Jadeja back to the pavilion. Sundar, who offered a chance just before lunch, was fortunate as Devon Conway failed to secure the catch.
With 55 runs required for victory and four wickets in hand, the match is finely poised for an exciting conclusion. Rishabh Pant remains the linchpin in India’s quest to thwart New Zealand’s whitewash ambitions. As India gears up for the second session of the day, all eyes will be on Pant and Sundar to steer the team to triumph.
Brief scores highlight New Zealand’s lead, having scored 235 and 174 in their innings, with notable contributions from Will Young (51) and formidable performances by India’s bowlers Ravindra Jadeja (5-55) and Ravichandran Ashwin (3-63). With India at 263 and currently at 92/6, Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 53 shines through in the face of Ajaz Patel’s 4-43, encapsulating a game hanging delicately in balance. As cricket enthusiasts await the next session, the destiny of the series hinges on the critical performance of India’s pivotal players.