Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: Sarfaraz Khan’s magnificent 150 and Rishabh Pant’s brisk 99 propelled India to a second innings total of 462, setting New Zealand a target of 107 in a thrilling day of Test cricket at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.
However, rain interrupted play just as the visitors began their chase, with openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway yet to score.
New Zealand’s fast-bowlers William O’Rourke and Matt Henry claimed three wickets each as they bowled out the hosts for 462.
India appeared to be in a commanding position at 408/3, thanks to a scintillating 177-run partnership between Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant. But once the second new ball was taken, the remaining seven wickets fell for just 54 runs.
With the pitch showing signs of deterioration and offering assistance to the pacers, India will require a special effort from their bowlers to secure an unlikely victory.
Sarfaraz’s innings was studded with exquisite strokes, primarily through the off-side, while Pant, despite not being fully fit, played an exhilarating knock, falling just short of his century.
Resuming at 70, Sarfaraz continued his audacious approach, punishing the New Zealand bowlers with a series of boundaries.
A mix-up between the two batsmen nearly resulted in Pant’s run-out, but Blundell missed the throw at the stumps. Sarfaraz reached his hundred in style, running with his bat held high and hands aloft, as the stadium erupted in applause.
Pant, too, began to cut loose, smashing sixes and boundaries off the spinners and pacers alike. He brought up his fifty in just 55 balls, quashing any doubts about his fitness. Sarfaraz continued his impressive display, reaching 150 for the first time in Tests.
However, Southee’s extra bounce accounted for Sarfaraz, who was caught at cover for 150.
Pant’s attempt to punch off O’Rourke resulted in his dismissal for 99, as the ball rattled his leg-stump.
O’Rourke and Henry then wrapped up the Indian innings, claiming the remaining wickets in quick succession.
