IND vs NZ, 1st Test: The third day of the first Test between India and New Zealand at Bengaluru witnessed a scintillating sight with 453 runs and the loss of 10 wickets. At the end of play, New Zealand was poised well, but India allowed no room for doubt, especially batting the second time around.
Stumps on Day 3 in the 1st #INDvNZ Test!
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 18, 2024
End of a gripping day of Test Cricket 👏👏#TeamIndia move to 231/3 in the 2nd innings, trail by 125 runs.
Scorecard – https://t.co/FS97LlvDjY@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/LgriSv3GkY
Aggressive Second Innings Of India
India went off very well with 4.71 runs per over in the 49 overs to bring down the daunting first-innings deficit of 356 runs to a modest 125. With seven wickets still in the kitty and two full days left in the match, the prospects have notably improved for India, but the Black Caps remained in the driving seat, especially after grabbing the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli on the last ball of the day for 70 runs.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Shatters 9000 Runs Barrier And Joins Elite Club!
Key Contributions From Indian Batters
Indian captain Rohit Sharma started well, scoring a brisk 52 off 63 deliveries, combining that with Yashasvi Jaiswal for a good opening partnership of 72 runs. It was unfortunate that Jaiswal got out to Ajaz Patel’s left-arm spin while looking to accelerate his innings. Rohit was batting very well until he was dismissed inexplicably through a bottom-edge roll slowly onto the stumps, which shocked him and went on to give New Zealand momentum.
Sarfaraz Khan now joined the party in an aggressive mood, especially targeting the spinners. His powerful slog-sweeps and uppercuts, including a six over deep backward point, showed him being dominant at the crease. Kohli kept pace with his partner’s energy, and together they built a rapid 136-run partnership.
Rachin Ravindra’s Great Show!
Despite India’s spirited batting display, the day belonged to New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, who slammed an impressive 134 runs, his second Test hundred. Ravindra remained unflustered by the spin and pace, as wickets tumbled around him. Alongside Tim Southee (65), he frustrated India’s early plans for an early New Zealand innings wrap-up.
India let slip a fleeting chance to get Ravindra back when he was on 110, as an LBW appeal against Kuldeep Yadav was not referred for review. Ravindra cashed in on the reprieve and New Zealand added another 24 runs with their last three wickets reaching 169.
Virat Kohli’s Record-Breaking Feat!
Virat Kohli became the fourth Indian to cross the 9,000-run barrier in Test matches. The previous persons to achieve this status are Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. The fans have followed each milestone of his action, in which Kohli has reached the test mark, indicating his importance in the game.
Preview
India’s second innings had promised well but still had loved to have Kohli there till the end of the day. There are 356 runs in it, and the teams will surely be fighting out a good fourth-day competition.
Also Read: IND Vs NZ, 1st Test: Shocker! Rohit Sharma Falls To Unlikely Dismissal!
