October 19, 2024: India finds itself in a precarious position in the rain-affected Bengaluru Test against New Zealand, with the visitors needing just 107 runs for victory on the final day.
After a promising start to their second innings at 407-3, India suffered a dramatic collapse, losing seven wickets for less than 60 runs. This followed a dismal first innings in which they could only manage 46 runs, a performance that continues to haunt the team.
Sarfaraz Khan continued to shine with the bat, scoring a commendable 150 runs, while Rishabh Pant contributed significantly with 99. Unfortunately, KL Rahul’s struggles with the bat persisted, as he failed to make a notable score.
India’s batting woes intensified as New Zealand’s bowlers effectively utilized the new ball in the post-Tea session. Ravindra Jadeja was the first to go, dismissed by William O’Rourke for just 5 runs. Although India managed to reach 450 runs, wickets continued to tumble. Ravichandran Ashwin’s dismissal brought India to 458, followed by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, both of whom were dismissed for ducks by Matt Henry in quick succession, leaving India at 462/9. Kuldeep Yadav remained not out on 6 runs, struggling to score as conditions worsened on the wet outfield.
The New Zealand bowling unit delivered a stunning performance, with O’Rourke and Henry both claiming three wickets each, while Tim Southee added one. Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips chipped in with two and one wicket, respectively. This marks a historic achievement for New Zealand’s fast bowlers, who claimed 17 wickets— the most by a visiting side in a Test match in India since South Africa’s 19 wickets in Ahmedabad back in 2008.
As New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway stepped onto the pitch, they faced just four deliveries from Bumrah before bad light halted play for the day. Latham had a close call with a delivery that pitched outside off, and India lost a review in the process.
With New Zealand needing only 107 runs to secure victory, India’s task is clear: they must take all 10 wickets to turn the match around.
