Bengaluru Test: Sarfaraz, Pant heroics nullified as 2nd new ball triggers another collapse

India vs New Zealand, 1st Test: Sarfaraz Khan's superb 150 and Rishabh Pant's quickfire 99 propelled India to 462 in their second innings, setting New Zealand a target of 107 on day four of the first Test.

In Short

• Sarfaraz struck a majestic 150 while Pant made a brisk 99
• India were all out for 462 in their second innings
• New Zealand need 107 runs to win the opening Test

Test cricket's inherent unpredictability and drama were on full display as New Zealand turned the tables on India's audacious comeback on a dramatic Day 4 of the first Test at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium. After being bowled out for an embarrassing 46 in the first innings, India fought their way back, only to be thwarted by a late charge from the New Zealand seamers with the second new ball.

Sarfaraz Khan played a majestic knock of 150, and Rishabh Pant added a brisk 99 as India were bowled out for 462 in their second innings, setting New Zealand a modest target of 107 on day four of the opening Test. With only 107 runs needed on the final day, the Kiwis are on the brink of their first win in India in 36 years.

New Zealand's last victory in India came in 1989 when Sir Richard Hadlee's all-round brilliance secured a 136-run win at the Wankhede Stadium. Hadlee took 10 wickets in the match, showcasing his legendary skills in a dominant performance. Now, decades later, the current New Zealand side is on the verge of winning a rare Test in India.

PANT-SARFARAZ KEEP HOPES ALIVE

The Test match, unfolding with all the elements that make the format special, saw India riding high on the back of a blistering 177-run partnership between Sarfaraz (150) and Pant (99). This stand came at a rapid rate of 5.03 runs per over, shifting the balance firmly in India’s favor. However, New Zealand's ability to strike back in a 10.2-over burst with the second new ball, claiming three crucial wickets and reducing India to 82 for 6 effectively, reasserted their presence in the game.

IND vs NZ 1st Test, Day 4 Highlights

Despite New Zealand’s initial helplessness in the face of the assault from Sarfaraz and Pant, their unwavering persistence with the new ball proved pivotal. The late-afternoon strike, particularly the dismissals of Sarfaraz (150) and Pant (99), showcased how quickly momentum can shift in Test cricket. Their onslaught had rendered New Zealand defenseless with the old ball, but the introduction of the new ball turned the tide once more.

Sarfaraz, with his unorthodox late cuts and deft touch, turned his maiden Test hundred into a 150. His brilliance with the bat, manipulating gaps in the field and playing with cheeky audacity, left New Zealand’s bowlers searching for answers. He repeatedly dissected the field, particularly with some masterful late cuts that bisected deep third and point, making him a constant thorn in the visitors’ side.

Pant, meanwhile, was a force of nature, returning to the fold after missing the third day due to a blow on his surgically repaired knee. Despite starting cautiously, he soon transformed into his freewheeling self, launching Ajaz Patel and Tim Southee into the stands. His sublime stroke play, including a slog-swept six off Southee that had the crowd roaring, was as audacious as it was effective.

For Pant, who once again fell agonizingly short of a hundred—his seventh dismissal in the 90s—there was a sense of "what if." The 6'6" William O'Rourke, with his towering frame and extra bounce, proved to be Pant's undoing, forcing an inside edge that crashed into the stumps just one run shy of his century. It was a heartbreaking moment for the crowd and for Pant himself, who had been at his aggressive best.

SECOND NEW BALL TRIGGERS COLLAPSE

New Zealand bowled India out for 462, needing just 107 runs to win after a remarkable turnaround with the second new ball. India, who were 400 for 3 at one point, lost 17 wickets for just 108 runs across their encounters with the first and third new balls of the innings.

New Zealand took the second new ball at 400 for 3, and it sparked a dramatic collapse in India's batting lineup. William O'Rourke led the charge with a spell that turned the match on its head. O'Rourke dismissed Ravindra Jadeja, catching a toe-end pull, and his figures at one point were a remarkable 3-3-0-3.

Ravichandran Ashwin resisted briefly, scoring 15 runs, but he was undone by Matt Henry, who got one to nip back in and stay low. With the new ball still swinging and seaming, India's last two wickets fell quickly, as Henry cleaned up both Nos 10 and 11 in the same over. New Zealand now have a modest target of 107 to chase, with the lowest-ever fourth-innings score in India being 83, a record the hosts will hope to avoid repeating.

RAIN SAVES NEW ZEALAND OPENERS

Early stumps were called on Day 4 as umpires took out the light meter and deemed the conditions unsuitable for play. A thick band of cloud hung overhead, prompting the decision, which led to frustration from India’s captain Rohit Sharma and his team. Rohit engaged in a lengthy discussion with the umpires, with Virat Kohli and other players joining the conversation, but the officials remained firm in their call. Meanwhile, New Zealand openers Tom Latham, who survived a DRS lbw call, and Devon Conway made their way to the pavilion with the scorecard reading 0/0 in 0.4 overs.

Despite the floodlights being on, shadows from the players in the middle indicated poor visibility, making it difficult for play to continue safely. Soon after, camera shots confirmed rain approaching in the distance, leading to the grounds crew bringing out the covers. India's players, who were waiting in the outfield, had no choice but to walk off as the weather threatened further delays.