New Zealand won't have it easy: Sarfaraz backs India to defend 107-run target

Sarfaraz Khan suggested that New Zealand might find it challenging to chase the modest target of 107 runs on the final day at Chinnaswamy Stadium, especially if India can claim early wickets as the pitch begins to deteriorate.

In Short

• Sarfaraz Khan says New Zealand might find it challenging to chase
• New Zealand are 107 runs away from winning a rare Test in India
• If India manages to defend 107, it will be a historic achievement

With only 107 runs standing between New Zealand and a historic Test win, Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan believes the visitors won’t have an easy time chasing the target on a challenging Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch on Day 5. Sarfaraz, who hit his maiden Test century (150) in a remarkable comeback innings, highlighted the deteriorating conditions and India's potential to make early breakthroughs as key factors in defending the modest target.

India, bowled out for 462 in their second innings, made a strong recovery after a dismal first-innings collapse for 46 runs. The fightback was led by Sarfaraz, whose vital partnership with Rishabh Pant (99) saw the hosts regain momentum before New Zealand's pacers, William O'Rourke and Matt Henry, dismantled the lower order. The pair shared six wickets, leaving the Kiwis needing just 107 runs for victory.

"It felt amazing to get my first century for India," Sarfaraz told reporters at the end of the fourth day. "But tomorrow will be tough for them. The pitch is breaking down, the ball is moving, and if we strike early, they could find themselves in a similar situation as we did."

Sarfaraz’s resilient 150 off 195 balls came in tandem with Pant’s aggressive 99, as the duo added 177 runs off just 211 deliveries, setting New Zealand on the back foot. However, India's hopes for a larger lead faded after the second new ball wreaked havoc, reducing them from a position of strength to all-out for 462. The second new ball was decisive, with India losing their last seven wickets for just 54 runs.

IND vs NZ, 1st Test, Day 4 Updates

As the two sides gear up for the final day, New Zealand's openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway would resume their innings at 0/0 after bad light and rain forced early stumps on Day 4. Despite the short target, the Kiwis will be wary of India's bowling attack on a pitch that offers movement and turn, especially with the spinners likely to play a more prominent role as the match progresses.

If India manages to defend 107, it will be a historic achievement, as the lowest target successfully defended in India remains 107, achieved on a rank turner in 2004-05. New Zealand, seeking their first Test win in India since 1989, are on the cusp of breaking a 36-year drought. But as Sarfaraz hinted, the final day promises to be anything but straightforward.