An enthralling day of Test cricket in Bengaluru saw New Zealand post 402 runs, riding on a century from Rachin Ravindra and a half-century from Tim Southee. New Zealand took a lead of 356 runs and put India under pressure. Despite the scoreboard pressure, the Indian batters remained unfazed, accumulating 231 runs for the loss of three wickets, with Sarfaraz Khan unbeaten on 70 at stumps on Day 3. New Zealand still hold the upper hand with a lead of 125 runs.
India were under a bit of pressure when they began their second innings, trailing by 356 runs and at risk of losing by an innings. However, the Indian batters executed their plan effectively, bringing their team back into the game.
The foundation for the fightback was laid by skipper Rohit Sharma, who successfully negotiated the new ball spells from Tim Southee and Matt Henry. Yashasvi Jaiswal also looked promising, scoring 35, and together they added 72 runs to the scoreboard.
There was an anticlimactic end to the day as Virat Kohli, who had been batting well, fell on the last delivery. Glenn Phillips found the outside edge of Kohli’s bat. After doing all the hard work and setting himself up for a big score, Kohli must be disappointed. Although he was handed a lifeline earlier when Ajaz Parel dropped a catch at slip, the only blemish in what had otherwise been a chanceless innings.
A positive for India is that Sarfaraz Khan, currently on 70, remains at the crease. On a pitch that is likely to deteriorate further for batting, a set batter is worth his weight in gold. India will be pinning their hopes on him to make a big score, as the home team looks to first overcome New Zealand’s lead and then set a challenging target for the visitors to chase in the fourth innings.
Kohli and Sarfaraz added 136 runs for the third wicket. While Kohli opted for his orthodox approach, Sarfaraz took the Kiwi bowlers apart with his uncanny, unorthodox array of shots. Sarfaraz’s batting against spin made Tom Latham rethink his strategy, prompting him to remove Ajaz from the attack. The pacers attempted to trouble Sarfaraz, but they were unsuccessful.
Earlier in the day, 24-year-old Ravindra showed great maturity in scoring his second Test century, the first one away from home. It was an innings of the highest order, showcasing his touch against the pace bowlers and excellent footwork against spinners, with his wrists coming into play beautifully. He received great support from Southee, who played a perfect foil in their 137-run partnership.
The forecast for the last two days isn’t promising, but if the rain gods stay away, it is likely that the match will not end in a draw.
Brief scores: India 46 all out (Rishabh Pant 20; Matt Henry 5/15) & 231/3 (Sarfaraz Khan 70*, Virat Kohli 70; Ajaz Patel 2/70) vs New Zealand 402 all out (Rachin Ravindra 134, Devon Conway 91; Ravindra Jadeja 3/72). Stumps, Day 3.