India stage a comeback on day three against New Zealand.
First Test, Bengaluru (Day Three of Five)
India’s first innings ended at 46, with Rishabh Pant scoring 20. New Zealand’s Matt Henry took an impressive 5-15, while O’Rourke contributed with 4-22. In India’s second innings, they reached 231-3, with Sarfaraz Khan and Virat Kohli both unbeaten on 70, and Rohit Sharma adding 52. Patel was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, taking 2-70.
New Zealand posted a strong total of 402 in their first innings, thanks to Rachin Ravindra’s brilliant 134, Devon Conway’s 91, and a useful 65 from Tim Southee. Ravindra Jadeja (3-72) and Kuldeep Yadav (3-99) were the best performers for India.
New Zealand lead by 125 runs.
India made a remarkable recovery after being bowled out for just 46 in their first innings, reaching 231-3 at the close of day three in the first Test against New Zealand. They now trail by 125 runs.
Sarfaraz Khan remained unbeaten on 70, forming a crucial 136-run partnership for the third wicket with Virat Kohli, who was dismissed for 70 on the final ball of the day in Bengaluru.
Captain Rohit Sharma contributed 52, while opener Yashasvi Jaiswal added 35, both falling in quick succession to Ajaz Patel.
Earlier, New Zealand posted a formidable 402 in their first innings, with Rachin Ravindra playing a brilliant knock of 134. The 24-year-old, who started the day on 22, smashed 13 fours and four sixes before being the last wicket to fall, giving the Black Caps a 356-run lead.
He added 137 for the eighth wicket with Tim Southee, whose lively 65 included five fours and four sixes.
Opener Devon Conway was second-top scorer with 91 from just 105 deliveries.
Spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav were the pick of the Indian bowlers, taking three wickets each.
But wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant remained off the field after suffering a knee injury on day two.
He had previously injured the same knee in a severe car accident in December 2022, which sidelined him for over a year.
Following a rain-affected first day, India’s first-innings score of 46 on day two marked their third-lowest total in Test cricket history and their lowest on home soil.