New Zealand need 107 runs to secure their first Test victory on Indian soil since 1988 after a dramatic collapse by the home side in the final session on Saturday. Despite a valiant 177-run stand by Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant, India crumbled to 462 all out in 99.3 overs during the rain-affected fourth day. At stumps, New Zealand had not yet begun their second innings when bad light halted play.
Khan reached his first hundred off 110 balls and became the third Indian to score both a duck and 150-plus runs in the same Test. His innings included 18 fours and three sixes, while Pant smashed nine fours and five sixes.
However, New Zealand’s second new ball before tea broke the partnership. Tim Southee removed Khan in the 85th over, and O’Rourke dismissed Pant four overs later, triggering a rapid collapse. India’s lower-middle order struggled, with O’Rourke also removing Lokesh Rahul (12) and Ravindra Jadeja (5). Henry dismissed Ravichandran Ashwin (15) and mopped up the tail, with India losing their last six wickets for just 29 runs in 68 deliveries.
New Zealand’s reply was brief as rain halted play after only four balls. India had one lbw appeal against Tom Latham turned down and lost a review. Historically, the lowest score India have successfully defended at home is 107 against Australia in 2004.
India remain atop the World Test Championship standings, and a 3-0 series win over New Zealand would virtually secure their place in the final at Lord’s next June. The second Test of the three-match series is scheduled in Pune next Thursday, followed by the final match in Mumbai starting November . New Zealand are coming off a challenging subcontinental tour, including a washed-out Test against Afghanistan and a 2-0 series defeat in Sri Lanka.