New Zealand need 107 runs to win its first test in India since 1988, host nation collapses for 54 runs in the final session
BENGALURU, India (AP) — New Zealand was left needing 107 runs to win its first test on Indian soil since 1988 after the home side collapsed in the final session Saturday despite a tremendous fightback from Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant.
At stumps on rain-affected Day 4, the Black Caps were yet to open their account in their second innings when darkness stopped play.
India lost seven wickets for just 54 runs in its second innings, collapsing to 462 all out in 99.3 overs. Pacer Will O’Rourke picked 3-92, while Matt Henry took 3-102 to end the Indian threat.
The fightback was centered around a 177-run partnership between Khan and Pant. Khan scored his first test century — 150 runs off 195 balls — while Pant was bowled for 99 runs.
India had been bowled out for its lowest score in tests on home soil — 46 — in the first innings. New Zealand had replied with 402 runs, a lead of 356 runs.
After lunch, when India was placed at 344-3, there was another rain delay and 24 overs were lost.
When play resumed, Khan and Pant continued their unbeaten 113-run partnership.
Khan became the third Indian batter to score a duck and 150-plus runs in the same test. He achieved this feat in the second innings off 194 balls.
Earlier, he had reached his maiden hundred off 110 balls, sparking celebrations. He had resumed from overnight 70 not out and throughout counter-attacked the New Zealand bowling.
Overall, Khan hit 18 fours and three sixes, while Pant smacked nine fours and five sixes.
That ended as New Zealand took the second new ball before tea and got the breakthrough.
Tim Southee had Khan caught in the 85th over, but the big moment came when O’Rourke bowled Pant in the 89th.
It ushered in India’s collapse, with the lower-middle order unable to resist the new ball.
O’Rourke had Lokesh Rahul caught behind for 12, while Ravindra Jadeja was out for five.
Henry trapped Ravichandran Ashwin lbw for 15 and then removed the tailenders in the space of six deliveries. India lost its last six wickets for 29 runs across 68 deliveries.
Rain prevented any further play after just four deliveries in the Kiwi innings. Jasprit Bumrah had a loud lbw shout turned down against Tom Latham as India lost a review.
The lowest India has defended to win a test on home soil is 107 runs against Australia at Mumbai in 2004.
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