Bengaluru:
Rishabh Pant fell agonisingly short of his century as he dragged one back onto the stumps on 99 – the seventh time in his Test career that he’s been out in the nervous 90s. Sarfaraz Khan produced his career-best score of 150 as India took the lead in the ongoing first Test against New Zealand. Sarfaraz was dismissed by Tim Southee. After a lengthy delay, rain finally relented in Bengaluru and the excellent drainage system of M Chinnaswamy Stadium ensured the ground was ready for play in no time. The second session starts from 1:50 PM with the tea break at 3:30 PM IST. The final session continues till 5:15 PM IST.
Sarfaraz struck a maiden century while Pant fifty as India dominated the morning session before rain stopped play in Bengaluru. India were 344/3 in 71 overs, trailing New Zealand by 12 runs when early lunch break was taken. The rain stopped for a few minutes but returned delaying the start of second session.
India fought back valiantly with the bat and trail New Zealand by 125 runs. With the rain staying away, the hosts will look to take it session by session, starting with seeing off the crucial first hour on Day 4. On the other hand, New Zealand will look to wrap up the Indian innings soon and possibly before India even post a lead.
Day 3 began with India picking up four wickets within the first hour. Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee though combined to bash Indian bowlers all over the park. Rachin scored a brilliant 134 and along with Southee’s 65, propelled New Zealand to 402, finishing with a commanding lead of 356 runs.
With the pitch easing up after India’s horror show in the morning session of the second day, the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan led a strong response in their second dig. The trio peeled off quick half-centuries taking India to 231/3 at the close of play on Day 3. India looked set to finish on a high but the dismissal of Kohli what expected to be the last delivery of the day somewhat may have dented the hosts. Plenty of batting still to come.
