Sarfaraz-Pant Show Followed by Collapse Leaves New Zealand a Target of 107

In a thrilling turn of events on Day 4 of the first Test in Bengaluru, India was bowled out for 462, setting New Zealand a target of 107 runs for victory. The day was marked by significant momentum shifts, with India initially looking strong before a late collapse that left the match finely poised.

The Indian innings was propelled by a remarkable partnership between Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant, who efficiently erased New Zealand's first-innings lead in a rain-affected morning session. However, a dramatic shift occurred as William O'Rourke and Matt Henry wreaked havoc on the Indian batting order, taking three wickets each and dismissing the final six Indian batsmen for just 54 runs. As a result, New Zealand managed only a brief batting stint before bad light and rain forced stumps, leaving them at 0 for no loss, requiring 107 runs to win.

Morning Session: Indian Dominance

The fourth day began positively for India, echoing the dominance they exhibited the previous evening, thanks to a solid century partnership between Sarfaraz and Virat Kohli. The pitch appeared to offer minimal assistance to the bowlers, and Sarfaraz wasted no time finding his rhythm, striking boundaries from the second over. His aggressive stroke play included an impressive range of cuts, lofts, and punches that kept the New Zealand bowlers under pressure.

Rishabh Pant joined Sarfaraz in the assault, hitting Ajaz Patel for two sixes and a four in a single over, furthering India’s momentum. The spread-out field provided ample opportunities for singles, yet the duo continued to seek boundaries, with Sarfaraz reaching his maiden Test century during their impressive partnership. Pant also looked comfortable at the crease, despite narrowly escaping a few close calls, including a couple of lbw appeals and a run-out attempt that required misjudgment from Devon Conway and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell.

The pair forged a substantial 177-run partnership that not only erased India’s first-innings deficit but also positioned them for a strong lead.

The Turning Point: New Ball Drama

However, the introduction of the second new ball dramatically altered the course of the match. Sarfaraz, eager to maintain his aggressive approach, chased after the first delivery from Tim Southee, which led to his downfall when he attempted a drive that was well-caught in the covers. Pant, too, continued his aggressive batting style, even managing to hit a spectacular 107-meter six while slog-sweeping Southee.

Despite Pant's efforts, his innings was cut short by O'Rourke, who utilized his pace and bounce effectively. On 99, Pant misjudged a delivery and inadvertently played it onto his stumps, paving the way for New Zealand to dismantle the Indian batting line-up swiftly.

India’s lower order fell like dominos; KL Rahul edged a ball to the keeper just before Tea, and Ravindra Jadeja was dismissed early in the third session, chipping a pull shot to Will Young. Henry then capitalized on the momentum, claiming the wickets of R. Ashwin (lbw), Jasprit Bumrah (caught), and Mohammed Siraj (caught at mid-on) in quick succession.

A Low Target with High Stakes

With India bowled out for 462, they set New Zealand a target of 107 runs to chase down in their second innings. The lowest total defended successfully by India in Test history is 107, achieved against Australia at Wankhede Stadium in 2004. However, the current pitch at Chinnaswamy is not expected to be as spin-friendly, and with rain interruptions throughout the Test, weather conditions may play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.

As the match progresses, New Zealand will be looking to capitalize on India's lower-order collapse, while India will aim to capitalize on their brief bowling window before the predicted scattered thunderstorms potentially disrupt the game further.

As the Bengaluru Test heads towards a climactic finish, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion. With New Zealand requiring 107 runs for victory, and India keen to defend a low total, both teams have much to play for in the final innings. The dramatic swings in momentum throughout the match, highlighted by Sarfaraz and Pant’s impressive partnership and India’s subsequent collapse, set the tone for an intriguing finale that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

The resilience of both sides will be tested as they navigate the tricky conditions and strive for a pivotal victory in this closely contested Test match. As the final day approaches, all eyes will be on the players as they aim to seize the moment in this gripping contest.