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The first Test match between India and New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru saw a heart-stopping moment as Rishabh Pant, after a valiant effort, fell just short of his seventh Test century. Despite the disappointment, his innings, alongside Sarfaraz Khan's century, proved crucial in securing a lead for India in the match.
Pant's journey to the 90s was marked by aggressive and entertaining batting, as he consistently dispatched New Zealand's bowlers for boundaries and sixes. He didn't let spinners Ajaz Patel and Rachin Ravindra settle into a rhythm, displaying his signature power-hitting throughout the innings. The crowd, witnessing his performance, was left enthralled. However, it was William O'Rourke who ultimately claimed Pant's wicket, a dismissal that brought about an outpouring of disappointment from the Indian team, with Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and KL Rahul visibly shaken.
The match itself has been a roller coaster of emotions. India's first innings ended on a disastrous note with a score of 46. New Zealand, in response, amassed 402 runs in their first innings, creating a significant 356-run lead. The second innings, however, saw a resurgence from India, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli contributing half-centuries, and Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant both reaching three figures. Though Pant missed his century, India's fighting spirit and dominant batting display in the second innings ensured that they took a lead in the match. This Test match, despite the rain interruptions, has showcased thrilling moments and a high-intensity battle between the two teams.