IND vs NZ 1st Test Day 4: Sarfraz Khan’s Half Century, Pant’s 99, Set Up a 107-Run Challenge for New Zealand
Team India has set a thrilling 107-run target for New Zealand at the end of Day 4 in the opening Test of the IND vs NZ series at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. After a strong start in the second innings, thanks to brilliant knocks by Rishabh Pant and Sarfraz Khan, India was bowled out for 462 in 99.3 overs, giving them a 106-run lead. With New Zealand now needing 107 runs to win, all eyes turn to Team India’s bowlers for what promises to be an intense finish to the match.
Pant Misses Century, Sarfraz Steady with Fifty
Sarfraz Khan played a crucial role in steadying India’s innings, scoring a patient half-century that helped Team India recover from early setbacks. Rishabh Pant, however, narrowly missed a well-deserved century, falling short by just one run as he was dismissed for 99. Pant’s aggressive batting, which featured clean hitting and sixes, was the highlight of India’s fightback on the fourth day, but his dismissal after tea proved to be a turning point.
India Collapses After Tea
The partnership between Sarfraz and Pant had put India in a commanding position for most of Day 4, but after the tea break, India’s lower order crumbled unexpectedly. From a promising position, India lost their last few wickets quickly, managing to set a fighting total but not the kind of target they had hoped for. The collapse saw them all out for 462, leaving New Zealand a target of 107 runs to win the Test.
Rain Delays the Drama
Just as the match seemed to heat up, heavy rain interrupted play at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The unexpected weather forced an early end to the day’s play, with New Zealand breathing a sigh of relief as they prepare for the final day. With the fifth day yet to unfold, the question remains whether India’s bowlers can defend the low target and pull off a thrilling win.
Eyes on Day 5: Can India’s Bowlers Defend 107?
With 107 runs standing between New Zealand and victory, Team India will rely heavily on their bowlers to deliver. The pitch in Bengaluru has shown signs of wear and tear, and India’s spinners and pacers will need to take advantage of any help from the surface on Day 5. The upcoming battle promises to be a nail-biting one, with the possibility of a dramatic conclusion to this Test match.
As both teams gear up for the final day, cricket fans worldwide will be eagerly watching to see if India’s bowlers can create magic and defend their lead or if New Zealand will chase down the target to clinch the first Test.
