New Zealand stays on top despite Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant's standout performances
Despite the spirited performances from Sarfaraz and Pant, New Zealand's stronghold remains intact as the Test progresses towards an exciting conclusion.
New Zealand maintained their dominant position in the first Test against India, despite impressive batting displays from Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant on Day 4 in Bengaluru.
After India posted 462 runs in their second innings, they faced a target of 107 runs, leaving the contest finely poised.
In the post-Tea session, India's innings stumbled as R Ashwin (15) and Ravindra Jadeja (5) failed to build a partnership, both falling quickly. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj both went for ducks, while Kuldeep Yadav remained unbeaten on 6*. Sarfaraz Khan's exceptional innings of 150 runs, featuring 18 fours and three sixes, proved crucial as he rescued India from a precarious position earlier in the day.
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Sarfaraz, who celebrated his maiden Test century, showcased remarkable resilience alongside Rishabh Pant, who returned to the crease after rain disrupted play for nearly three hours. Pant, sporting heavy strapping on his knee, displayed caution initially before accelerating to score a blistering 55-ball fifty, ultimately falling just short of a century on 99.
The fightback began on Day 3 when Sarfaraz and Virat Kohli led India to 231/3 at Stumps, reducing the deficit after New Zealand set a first-innings total of 402. India trailed by 125 runs, but the match's outlook changed as Kohli (70 off 102 balls) and Sarfaraz put together a century partnership off just 101 balls, demonstrating their determination to take the game to the opposition.
On Day 4, as the Indian batsmen continued their efforts, Rishabh Pant joined Sarfaraz at the crease. Following Pant's dismissal, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and R Ashwin were next in the batting order, with India hoping to leverage the good batting conditions to chase down the target with wickets in hand.
After Day 3, New Zealand's Ravindra expressed his satisfaction with his team's performance, stating, "Was just trying to build partnerships. That partnership with Tim (Southee) really helped me out, the objective was clear, and we knew what we needed to do. Bengaluru's wicket is lovely to bat on."
Key Highlights of India vs New Zealand 1st Test Day 4:
- India posted 462 runs in 99.3 overs, setting a target of 107 runs for New Zealand.
- Rishabh Pant was dismissed for 99 runs, just shy of a century.
- Sarfaraz Khan scored a stellar 150 runs, including 18 fours and three sixes.
- The match was interrupted by rain, halting play while India was at 344/3 (S Khan 125*, R Pant 53*).
- Rishabh Pant's rapid 55-ball half-century added to the team's total.
- Sarfaraz Khan achieved his maiden Test century off 110 balls.
