
New Zealand lost its last sailing at lunch; India was 81 for one wicket and required 278 runs to win.
Sarfaraz Khan, who was expected to hold the innings together after the deposition, walked into the team crease as a desperate.
Indian team expected him and the lower order to come up with important partnerships against a terrific New Zealand side.
Exceptional bowling from Jadeja and Sundar, while Santner was the best of the Kiwi bowlers.
Before this, Indian bowlers had given themselves a fighting chance with some fluent bowling from Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja.
Sundar bagged four scalps and two of them were Latham and Conway, the Kiwi skipper and one of their top players respectively while gave three.
However, India’s first inning crumbled to 156 thanks to Santner’s superb spin bowling leaving the team batting a herculean task.
It should be interesting to see how it all plays out as India struggles at the halfway mark of their innings, and New Zealand has the momentum heading into the final few hours of play on Day 3.
It is now in Sarfaraz Khan and the lower order to protect from New Zealand spinners and give India a fighting chance to chase this huge total.
Related Article: Virat Kohli Bowled Out by Santner’s Full-Toss in Shocking Dismissal
Sundar and Jadeja excel in India’s Bowling Show
Earlier, the Indian bowlers once again came up with a fine bowling display to bundle New Zealand out for 255 in the second essay.
Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja were the ones taking the wickets on board the night, namely four and three, respectively.
Their efforts denied New Zealand a big lead but the visitors were still able to set a total of 359 owing to some scoring by Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips.
Latham made 86 and Phillips 48 not out taking New Zealand through the Indian bowlers.
India’s WTC Hopes to Take a Hit
India has a massive target of 395, but its batting has wobbled and its WTC hopes may be in peril if it does not win this match.
India has been tamed by New Zealand’s disciplined bowling, and, with only a lower order left, the Kiwi side needs a solid contribution to the cause from Jadeja and Ashwin.
While the Kiwis eye more wickets, India was plunged into a tough position in this Test and the result will affect their position in the WTC table.
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References:
TheHindu.com
HindustanTimes.com
