Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: Sarfaraz Khan played a stunning innings of 150, while Rishabh Pant added a quickfire 99, helping India post a total of 462 in their second innings and setting New Zealand a target of 107 on day four of the opening Test in Bengaluru on Saturday.
However, just as New Zealand began their chase in the final session, rain halted play, bringing an early end to the day’s action.The visitors faced only four balls in their second innings, with openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway yet to score.
The big question on every fan’s mind now is: Can India pull off a miracle on the final day and defend 107 runs against New Zealand?
While it currently seems to be an advantage for New Zealand, India’s pacers have some assistance, and with the spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav in the lineup, a miracle is still possible.
Interestingly, India’s lowest successful target ever defended in a Test match is 107 runs, achieved against Australia (93) at the Wankhede in 2004 where spinners claimed nine wickets including Harbhajan Singh’s five-wicket haul.
Lowest target defended in Test cricket
Overall, Australia hold the record for the lowest score defended in Test history, managing to defend just 85 runs against England at The Oval in 1882. England were bowled out for 77 while chasing that target.
India’s performance against Australia in 2004 ranks as the third-lowest total ever defended in Test cricket, following the West Indies, who defended a 99-run target against Zimbabwe by bowling them out for just 63 in Port of Spain in 2000.
