After bundling out India for just 46 runs in the first innings, New Zealand gets the upper hand on Day 4 against the hosts. The fourth day started with Rishabh Pant joining Sarfaraz Khan after Virat Kohli’s dismissal on the last ball of Day 3.
Sarfaraz continued his good form with Pant also playing shots. Sarfaraz completed his maiden century after getting dismissed for a duck in the first innings. The duo added crucial 177 runs between them before Sarfaraz got dismissed just after completing his 150.
Rishabh Pant then played a couple of good shots and looked set for a big score. Unfortunately, he got for 99 runs just missing out on a well-deserved century. The Indian batters then failed to get going as they lost the last 5 wickets for just 29 runs. KL Rahul (12 runs) got out to Willam O’Rourke followed by Ravindra Jadeja (5 runs) who didn’t trouble the scorers at all.
Ravichandran Ashwin (15 runs) then tried to stretch India’s lead but he perished exactly 5 overs after Jadeja’s dismissal. Matt Henry then dismissed Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj in a span of three deliveries to bundle out the hosts for 462 with a lead of 106 runs.
The pace duo of Matt Henry and William O’Rourke picked up 3 wickets each in the second innings. Ajaz Patel picked up 2 wickets with Tim Southee and Glenn Phillips picking up one wicket each.
Batters fumbled, India need bowlers to step up
Chasing just 107 runs the Kiwis had played only 4 deliveries before rain interrupted and the stumps were called by the umpires. With Pant and Sarfaraz at the crease, India looked like getting a solid lead before the batting collapse.
All hopes are on the Indian bowlers now to restrict the visitors to under 106 runs if they are to win the game. The Kiwi pacers got good assistance off the deck with the second new ball. India will be hopeful for a great outing from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Ravi Ashwin and Jadeja will also hope that they get something out of the wicket on the final day.
The Kiwis have the upper hand in the test now and it will take a miraculous effort from the Indian bowlers to make this an exciting contest on the 5th day of the game.