India vs New Zealand 1st Test Day 3: Day 3 of the India vs New Zealand 1st Test in Bengaluru was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with individual brilliance, key partnerships, and a gritty fightback from the Indian camp. Despite being put under immense pressure by a stunning 134 from Rachin Ravindra and a quickfire 65 from Tim Southee, India ended the day with renewed hope, thanks to half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan. As India posted 231/3 at stumps, the match remains delicately poised with New Zealand still holding a lead of 125 runs.
Let’s have a look into more details : India vs New Zealand 1st Test Day 3
Ravindra’s Masterclass Sets a Mammoth Target
New Zealand started the day on 180/3, already leading by 134 runs. India needed quick wickets to wrestle back control, and Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj provided just that, striking early to reduce New Zealand to 274/7. However, what followed was an exceptional eighth wicket partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee. The duo combined to hammer the Indian bowling attack, adding 137 runs off just 132 balls.
Ravindra’s innings was a masterclass in patience and aggression, reaching his second Test century in 124 balls. His partnership with Southee took New Zealand’s lead past 300, putting India on the back foot. Southee’s belligerent knock included three sixes and took his career tally to 93 sixes, equalling Virender Sehwag’s record in Test cricket.
New Zealand’s innings finally ended at 402 when Ravindra fell to Siraj for 134, receiving a standing ovation from the Chinnaswamy crowd, a special moment for the Bengaluru born cricketer. New Zealand’s imposing lead of 356 runs looked like a mountain for India to climb.
India’s Top Order Responds to the Challenge
Facing the threat of an innings defeat, India needed a strong response. Openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a solid start, adding 57 runs by Tea. While Jaiswal departed for 35, captain Rohit raced to a fluent 52 off 60 balls before being dismissed by Ajaz Patel. India found themselves at 86/2, still trailing significantly.
This brought Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan together at the crease, and the pair took the opportunity to fight back. Kohli, who had earlier been dismissed for a duck in India’s shocking first innings collapse, looked determined to make amends. His innings of 70 off 102 balls was a blend of resilience and elegant stroke play.
Sarfaraz, too, stood tall under pressure, striking an unbeaten 70* off just 78 balls. His aggressive yet calculated approach helped India close the day at 231/3. While Kohli fell on the last ball of the day to Glenn Phillips, the century partnership between him and Sarfaraz gave India a fighting chance of salvaging the match.
Key Moments of Day 3
- Rachin Ravindra’s Heroics: The local boy’s 134 was the backbone of New Zealand’s innings, as he tackled the Indian bowlers with both finesse and power. His partnership with Southee was crucial in setting India a daunting target.
- Tim Southee’s Aggression: Southee’s 65 off 73 balls included some lusty blows that took the game away from India. His contribution was vital in pushing New Zealand’s lead to 356.
- India’s Gritty Fightback: Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal laid the foundation, but it was the Kohli-Sarfaraz stand that truly gave India hope. Kohli’s 70 and Sarfaraz’s unbeaten 70* were key to India’s recovery.
What Lies Ahead on Day 4
As India trails by 125 runs with seven wickets in hand, Day 4 promises to be a crucial one. Much depends on Sarfaraz Khan and the remaining Indian batsmen to narrow down New Zealand’s lead and set up a competitive final day.
New Zealand, on the other hand, will look to strike early and wrap up the Indian innings to secure a commanding position in this Test. With the pitch starting to show signs of wear and tear, the role of spinners like Ajaz Patel will be crucial in the remaining days.
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