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The first Test match between India and New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru unfolded as a captivating tale of resilience, drama, and ultimately, the sheer unpredictability of Test cricket. After being bowled out for a paltry 46 runs in their first innings, India mounted a valiant comeback, fueled by a blistering partnership between Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant. However, a dramatic turn of events with the second new ball saw New Zealand reclaim the momentum, leaving the hosts on the brink of a historic defeat.
Sarfaraz Khan, in his maiden Test century, displayed an array of strokes, particularly masterful late cuts that left the New Zealand bowlers searching for answers. His 150-run knock, alongside Rishabh Pant's aggressive 99, propelled India to a commanding position. The duo's 177-run partnership, scored at a rapid rate of 5.03 runs per over, seemed to have shifted the balance firmly in India's favor. However, the introduction of the second new ball by New Zealand triggered a dramatic collapse in the Indian batting order.
The second new ball, with its added shine and movement, proved to be a turning point. New Zealand's seamers, led by William O'Rourke, capitalized on the opportunity, taking three crucial wickets in a 10.2-over burst. The dismissals of Sarfaraz and Pant, both within striking distance of centuries, marked a significant swing in the momentum. The late-afternoon strike by the New Zealand bowlers showcased the inherent unpredictability of Test cricket, where even the most dominant partnerships can be quickly undone by a change in conditions or tactics. The match, once seemingly in India's control, was now hanging in the balance with a modest target of 107 runs for victory awaiting the Kiwis.
Despite the rain forcing early stumps on Day 4, leaving the outcome uncertain, the match had already provided ample evidence of the ebb and flow of Test cricket. New Zealand, who were written off after India's dominant resurgence, clawed their way back into the contest with grit and precision. They had exploited a crucial moment with the new ball, shifting the tide of the match and setting themselves up for a potential historic victory in India. The final day of the Test match promised to be a tense affair, with the fate of the series hanging in the balance.
New Zealand's last victory in India came in 1989, when Sir Richard Hadlee's legendary skills secured a 136-run win at the Wankhede Stadium. Now, decades later, the current New Zealand side is on the verge of replicating that feat, seeking their first win in India since that historic triumph. The match has become a battle of attrition, with both teams vying for a crucial victory in the opening Test. While India will be eager to avoid the embarrassment of a series defeat on home soil, New Zealand will be looking to capitalize on the opportunity to gain an early advantage.
Source: Bengaluru Test: Sarfaraz, Pant heroics nullified as 2nd new ball triggers another collapse