India vs New Zealand 1st Test: A Nail-Biting Finish Awaits as New Zealand Chase 107 for Victory
The 1st Test between India and New Zealand has reached a thrilling juncture, with New Zealand needing just 107 runs to win the match. With all 10 wickets in hand, the Kiwis find themselves in a strong position, but India will be hoping for a miraculous comeback to defend this small total on a challenging pitch.
A Tale of Two Dramatic Innings: India’s Batting Struggles
The match has been a rollercoaster, particularly for India, who endured a disastrous first innings, managing only 46 runs in 31.2 overs. Rishabh Pant was the lone warrior in this innings, top-scoring with 20 off 49 balls, including a solitary boundary. Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed 13 runs off 63 deliveries, while the rest of the Indian batting line-up crumbled. Shockingly, five key batsmen—Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin—failed to open their accounts, leaving India in dire straits.
It is 3rd lowest totals in Test Cricket for India.India lowest total in test match is 36 vs Australia on December 17, 2020.India scored 42 vs England on June 20, 1974.
New Zealand bowling highlights vs India 1st innings
New Zealand’s pace duo of Matt Henry and William O’Rourke ran riot, with Henry taking an astonishing 5 wickets for just 15 runs in 13.2 overs. O’Rourke supported him well, claiming 4 for 22 in 12 overs, while Tim Southee picked up one wicket, completing India’s collapse.
New Zealand’s Response: Aggressive Batting Sets the Tone
In response, New Zealand’s top order displayed confidence and resilience. Opener Rachin Ravindra led the charge with a fluent 134 off 157 balls, striking 13 boundaries and 4 sixes. His aggressive stroke play was complemented by Devon Conway, who fell just short of a century with 91 runs off 105 deliveries, hitting 11 fours and 3 sixes. Tim Southee added a rapid-fire 65 from 73 balls, smashing 5 boundaries and 4 sixes to extend New Zealand’s advantage.
India bowling highlights vs New Zealand 1st innings 1st Test
India’s bowling effort was led by Kuldeep Yadav, who took 3 for 99 in 18.3 overs. Ravindra Jadeja was equally impressive, claiming 3 for 94 in 16 overs, while Mohammad Siraj (2 for 84), Jasprit Bumrah (1 for 41), and Ravichandran Ashwin (1 for 94) chipped in with wickets.
New Zealand ended their first innings at 402, gaining a crucial 356-run lead over India.
India batting highkights : India’s Fightback in the Second Innings: Sarfaraz and Pant Shine
Under immense pressure, India staged a remarkable fightback in their second innings, posting a formidable 462. Sarfaraz Khan was the standout performer, scoring a superb 150 off 195 balls, laced with 18 boundaries and 3 sixes. Rishabh Pant, in his typical counter-attacking style, smashed 99 off 105 deliveries, hitting 9 fours and 5 sixes. Contributions from Rohit Sharma (52 off 63 balls) and Virat Kohli (70 off 102 balls) bolstered India’s total.
New Zealand’s bowling was tested, but Matt Henry once again led the charge with 3 wickets for 102 runs in 24.3 overs. William O’Rourke also picked up 3 for 92, while Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips shared the remaining wickets.
The Final Showdown: Can India Pull Off a Miracle?
As the game heads into its final chapter, New Zealand require 107 runs to win with all their wickets intact. With an entire day to chase down the target, the Kiwis are favorites to win, but India’s bowlers, especially the spinners, will be crucial on a deteriorating pitch.
The outcome of this match will hinge on how well India can exploit the conditions and apply pressure on the New Zealand openers. With a modest target in sight, this Test match is poised to deliver a gripping finish.
Stay tuned as the final day promises high drama and excitement in this classic India vs New Zealand encounter!
