IND vs NZ 1st Test 4th Day:
India’s batting performance in the second innings was a story of two halves. After a commanding display that saw them reach 400 for the loss of just three wickets, the team dramatically crumbled, adding just 62 more runs while losing seven wickets. Their innings came to an end at 462 all out, leaving New Zealand with a target of only 107 runs to win the first Test at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium.
India’s collapse was triggered by the introduction of the second new ball, as New Zealand’s seamers, who had struggled earlier, returned to form and ran through the Indian lineup. The batting order, which had shown resilience and counter-punched brilliantly after their disastrous first innings, suddenly wilted. India went from 408/3 to 462 all out in no time, drawing parallels to their earlier innings, where they were bundled out for a mere 46 runs.
Despite their second innings’ dramatic collapse, India’s recovery after the first innings was remarkable, putting New Zealand under pressure for significant portions of the match. Scoring 10 times the runs they managed in the first innings was an impressive feat, but with only 107 runs needed for New Zealand to win, the Kiwis are now firmly in the driver’s seat.
The pitch has begun to show signs of wear, with cracks developing and rough patches for spinners to exploit, but it will take a special effort from India’s bowlers to pull off an improbable victory. For New Zealand, the target is low, and with sensible batting, they should be able to wrap up the game, though they will need to navigate the tricky conditions carefully.
As the final innings begins, the focus will be on India’s bowlers to see if they can pull off a miracle, while New Zealand will look to seal a memorable win with just 107 runs standing between them and victory.
