Pant Keeps India's Hopes Afloat in Chaotic Morning Session

Rishabh Pant's quickfire unbeaten 53 off 50 balls has given India a glimmer of hope as they navigate a challenging morning session on the third day of the final Test against New Zealand in Mumbai. With New Zealand aiming to complete a historic 3-0 series sweep, India faced a daunting target of 147 runs on a deteriorating pitch and found themselves in dire straits at 29/5 by the seventh over.

Pant, unfazed by the precarious situation, launched an aggressive counter-attack, showcasing his trademark unorthodox style. While Ravindra Jadeja provided some support with a 42-run partnership, his dismissal just before lunch added to India's woes. Washington Sundar has also looked promising at the crease, and his partnership with Pant could be pivotal in determining the outcome of the match.

The day began with Jadeja wrapping up the New Zealand innings by taking the last wicket of Ajaz Patel, marking another remarkable achievement with his second five-wicket haul in the same Test match. This left India with the challenging task of chasing 147 runs to avoid a home series whitewash.

New Zealand's bowlers, particularly Matt Henry, made a strong start to the Indian innings. Rohit Sharma's struggles continued as he misplayed a pull shot and fell early, triggering a collapse in the Indian batting lineup. India's persistent struggles against spin became evident as Ajaz Patel inflicted further damage.

Shubman Gill suffered a significant misjudgment, leaving an arm ball that crashed into his stumps, while Virat Kohli, once again out of sorts against spin, fell to Ajaz, edging to slip after struggling with the turn. Yashasvi Jaiswal was trapped LBW by Glenn Phillips' in-drifter, and Sarfaraz Khan’s attempted sweep off a full toss resulted in a top edge caught in the slips.

Despite the mounting pressure, Pant took on the spinners with calculated aggression, using his footwork and intent to disrupt their rhythm. Just as it seemed Pant and Jadeja were settling, Jadeja's wicket fell to a brilliant catch by Will Young at short leg. Sundar also provided a moment of worry for India when he offered a chance before lunch, but Devon Conway was unable to hold onto the catch.

With 55 runs still needed and four wickets remaining, the match hangs in the balance, and it is clear that Rishabh Pant's innings is crucial for India’s aspirations to avoid defeat and prevent New Zealand from achieving a series whitewash.

Brief Scores:
New Zealand: 235 and 174 (Will Young 51; Ravindra Jadeja 5-55, Ravichandran Ashwin 3-63)
India: 263 and 92/6 (Rishabh Pant 53*; Ajaz Patel 4-43)
New Zealand leads by 54 runs.