Ind vs NZ 1st test: India’s surprising Comeback on Day 4 of the First Test Against New Zealand

Day four of the first Test match between India and New Zealand has turned out to be quite interesting, nicely setting up a nail-biting last day. The Indian team bowled out for a mere 46 in their first innings and has put up a show of unbelievable character and resolve so far in the second innings. At 11 AM on Day 4, India is 344/3, 12 runs short of New Zealand’s first innings total of 402.

A Tale of Two Innings

India’s first innings performance was nothing short of shocking. On a pitch that didn’t exactly seem threatening, Indian batsmen crumbled against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack. The conditions, however, counted for every inch New Zealand bowlers were trying to make of them. India, for their part, with swing and seam movement, failed to find any sort of rhythm, collapsing in a heap for a disappointing 46 runs on the board. By then, the visitors had been pushed behind almost as if an innings defeat was on the cards.

In contrast, New Zealand had been solid and composed in their first-innings batting performance. Led by an inimitable 134 by Rachin Ravindra, New Zealand managed a commanding score of 402. He played a masterly knock full of patience and excellent shot selection, really wearing down the Indian bowling attack. Assisted by good knocks from Conway and Southee, New Zealand had built up a hefty lead of 356, which seemed insurmountable at that time.

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The Stunning Indian Revival in the Second Innings

But the Indians have flipped it around emphatically so far in their second innings, as the fightback is being remarkably led from the front by the brilliant Sarfaraz Khan with a stellar knock, registering a resilient century. His unbeaten 125 has been the lifeline of India, as he combined both defensive resilience and attacking intent, punishing loose deliveries to keep the scoreboard ticking. Sarfaraz showed remarkable composure and adaptability in handling the pressure of being in a match-saving situation.

Then, the aggressive batsman Rishabh Pant also made an important contribution with a vital 53. Though not being his normally flamboyant self in this innings, Pant showed a lot of restraint in this innings, adapting to the situation and playing the perfect foil to Sarfaraz. Pant’s abilities to rotate the strike and find the gaps kept the pressure off India’s middle order, helping them get their way back into the match.

The partnership between Sarfaraz and Pant has been the cornerstone of India’s resurgence turnaround that has turned a one-sided match into a contest that could go down to the wire. Still, having 344/3 on the board and seven wickets in hand, India holds all possibilities of building a lead and putting the pressure back on New Zealand.

What’s at Stake on Day 5?

Indeed, as Day 5 approaches, the eyes are on the final innings and how India approaches it. Despite being 12 runs behind New Zealand’s first-innings total, India finds themselves in a much stronger position than many would have predicted at the end of day two after their first-innings fiasco. An extension of the lead with enough runs for their bowlers to defend in the fourth innings probably will be the strategy for India.

The pitch, which has worn reasonably well, could really start misbehaving on the final day. There has been some turn and inconsistent bounce which could be a help to spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. A lead of around 150-200 runs could give India real problems for New Zealand in the fourth innings.

New Zealand, on the other hand, will want to break this important partnership between Sarfaraz and Pant as early as possible. And if they can make those early inroads, still a chance of them turning this match around. Even if the New Zealand bowlers have been disciplined, they ought to search for ways in which they can be able to go full throttle on the final day of the match to take an outright victory. The ability to remove Sarfaraz, who has appeared immovable, will be key.

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Key Performers and Impact

Undoubtedly, Sarfaraz Khan has been the cynosure of India’s second innings. His fighting century not only managed to keep India in the game but indeed the momentum of the game has shifted. His shot selection, temperament, timing everything has been just immaculate. It could be a career-turning inning as this might seal his position as a middle-order batsman.

Overshadowed slightly by Sarfaraz’s heroics, Pant’s contribution has been equally vital. For a player known for his sense of aggression, Pant showed the kind of maturity that has been thrust upon him many times. His ability to curb his instincts and play a responsible innings in such a crucial moment is testimony to his growing maturity as a player.

For New Zealand, the 134 from Rachin Ravindra was an important knock in terms of the context of the match. He had the chance to anchor the innings as well as build partnerships to help New Zealand make a big total. The bowlers played havoc with India’s first-innings demolishment and hence more is expected of them as the match draws to a close.

The upcoming fifth day of the approaching match is eagerly looked upon considering the current situation of the match. With seven wickets remaining, India will try to get substantial runs and at the same time, New Zealand will try to wrap up the other opposition soon. Such will likely be the key, the geography of the land, especially in favor of the spinners making Day 5 an important one.

There is a lot of pride that generation from any sport usually shows in situations such as this, and the Indo-Pak test series usually brings out the best in the players representing the yellow and blue for which even going into the final day the balance remains pretty even, with chances of any team’s fans all over the world duly rising in depth and in numbers.

FAQs

• Q: What is the Indian score in the second innings?

A: India, on Day 4, 11 AM, is 344/3 in the second innings, still 12 runs behind.

• Q: Who are the top scorers in this second innings for India?

A: Sarfaraz Khan was not out 125 and Rishabh Pant contributed with an important 53 runs.

• Q: How did New Zealand go about their first innings?

A: New Zealand had Rachin Ravindra leading the way with an exciting 134 towards an overall score of 402 in the first innings.

• Q: What do we have in store for Day 5 about IND vs NZ first test?

A: India would like to build on more leads, while New Zealand will look forward to dislodging the partnership and sending India on the back foot as early as possible. The last day is going to be action-packed, to say the least, with both teams giving it their all.