India vs New Zealand 2nd Test: Can India Save the Series?
India vs New Zealand Second Test on a Knife’s Edge: Can India save the test and series?
The second Test match between India vs New Zealand is turning out to be a pretty nail-biting experience that the lovers of the game are getting to experience. Day 3 has come to an end and the match has already reached an interesting point. New Zealand had given a proper opening with their score of 259 in the first innings when the pitch gave them sufficient scope. In response, India struggled at 156 runs, which paved the way for a thrilling second innings.
In the second innings, New Zealand came back well and set up a total of 255 runs against the strong challenge. Thus, it would be a daunting task for India to achieve the target of 358 runs to win, which looks pretty uphill though two days are still remaining to them for playing the match. The dynamics of the game have brought both teams in a position where victory is seen to be within reach, yet each path to it has its pitfalls.
Day 3 Highlights: A see-saw of Emotions
The Indian second innings began brightly as Yashasvi Jaiswal hit a gigantic six on only the second ball, and the momentum suddenly shifted to the hosts’ camp. However, that joy was very short-lived as captain Rohit Sharma continued his poor form and fell for an embarrassing 8 runs. The lack of runs from Sharma has been a cause for worry right from the first Test, and it puts a question mark on his ability to lead from the front.
Beyond their struggles, the veteran batsman Virat Kohli also could not add a big score to the team in the first innings which was a huge setback. As an integral cog in the experience machine that is the Indian batting line-up, Kohli’s fortunes and skill levels will be most invaluable here and now. And though India is in a recovery phase at the moment and Kohli is partnered with Washington Sundar at this end-side on the pitch, that also implies that they must click together if India is going to compete against this New Zealand bowling power here.
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Current Scenario: India’s Chase
At 1:15 PM on Day 3, India is 142 for 4, with the help of Yashasvi Jaiswal’s commendable 77 runs before being sent back to the pavilion. Kohli is still on 14, but with Washington Sundar coming in, there’s a mix of experience and exuberance at the crease. Yet, India is still behind by 217 runs, making the task ahead challenging yet achievable.
The New Zealand bowlers have always been recognized for accuracy and finesse, ready to pounce on every weakness the Indian batting may offer. Their recent performance has shown that they can apply pressure and exploit even the slightest lapse in concentration from the batsmen. This is only increasing the tension in what is already an exciting encounter between the two teams since both know a single session can dramatically change the course of a game.
What to Expect:
It is going to be salivating for the next two days with the cricketing fraternity anxiously waiting to see how things pan out in this match. The batting lineup for India needs to come to the fore, all the more so with significant contributions expected by Kohli and Washington Sundar. A rhythm and a decent partnership will do the trick for India to take the match their way.
New Zealand, therefore, would look to try and remove Kohli and Washington Sundar as early as possible to exploit India’s fragile situation as much as possible. This could very well be another defining few hours, especially with the pitch still assisting, and neither team can afford to take their foot off the pedal.
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This second Test between India vs New Zealand is gradually turning out to be an electrifying contest. Both the teams have equal opportunities to win, and with every piece of drama unfolding on Day 3 of the game, cricket fans are left engrossed in a game whose result hangs in the balance. Will India’s batting finally show some bite to fight back, or will the New Zealand bowlers dictate terms? The time will tell for this thriller of a game inching toward a climax.
FAQs
Q: How many runs did New Zealand score in its first innings?
A: New Zealand scored 259 runs in the first inning.
Q: How many runs did India get in its first innings?
A: In its first innings, India could score just 156 runs.
Q: What target does India need to chase?
A: India needs to chase a target of 358 runs.
Q: Who are the current batsmen on the crease for India at 1 PM on Day 3?
A: At 1 PM on Day 3, Virat Kohli is batting with 10 runs, while Washington Sundar just joined the crease.