India vs New Zealand Test Match Day 5: LIVE Score Updates and Highlights, Where to watch India national cricket team vs Newzealand National Cricket Team Live.
India and New Zealand are locked in an intense battle as the first Test enters its fifth day. With India standing at 53/2 in their second innings, the match hangs in the balance. Ravindra and Young are now at the crease for New Zealand, adding pressure to India’s bowlers as they chase a modest target of 107 runs.
India vs New Zealand: Day 5 Begins with a Crucial Strike by Bumrah
As Day 5 begins, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has already struck an important blow, dismissing New Zealand’s captain, Tom Latham, without troubling the scorers. This early dismissal sets the tone for India’s defense as they attempt to restrict New Zealand from chasing down the small but challenging target.
Bumrah’s early breakthrough gives hope to Indian fans, but New Zealand remains in a strong position with Devon Conway and Will Young determined to steady the ship. The Chinnaswamy Stadium is set to witness a thrilling final day of Test cricket as both teams fight for control.
Rain Affects Play on Day 4
Earlier, rain played a pivotal role on Day 4, halting play just as New Zealand started their innings. The match had to be called off early due to bad light and continuous downpours. India, after setting a total of 462 in their first innings, left New Zealand with a target of 107 runs after being bowled out.
While the target might appear manageable, India’s strong bowling attack aims to replicate past performances in defending small totals, especially in home conditions.
Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant Shine in India’s Innings
In India’s first innings, Sarfaraz Khan was the standout performer. Called into the team due to Shubman Gill’s injury, Khan seized the opportunity and scored his maiden Test century, eventually converting it into an impressive 150. His crucial innings provided the backbone to India’s total.
Rishabh Pant, known for his attacking style, contributed a rapid 99. His counterattacking knock threatened to put New Zealand on the back foot but tragically ended when he fell just one run short of a century.
Pant’s fearless approach and Khan’s solid batting gave India hope despite being in a tough position after early wickets fell. Their efforts allowed India to set a target that could still test New Zealand’s batting lineup.
Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan’s Crucial Partnership
Before Pant’s knock, Virat Kohli also contributed with a solid 70, partnering with Sarfaraz Khan to put up a 136-run stand off 163 balls. Kohli, continuing his consistent run in Test cricket, was unfortunately dismissed on the last ball of Day 3, reducing India’s momentum going into Day 4.
Kohli’s innings saw him cross the 9000-run mark in Test cricket, a monumental achievement in just 197 innings. His current average stands at 48, with an unbeaten 254 being his highest score. Kohli has now scored 29 centuries in his illustrious Test career, further solidifying his legacy.
New Zealand’s Bowling Attack Makes Their Mark
New Zealand’s bowling unit performed admirably, with William O’Rourke and Matt Henry taking three wickets each. Ajaz Patel also contributed with two crucial wickets, while Glenn Phillips and Tim Southee picked up one wicket apiece.
Phillips’ bowling provided key breakthroughs at critical moments, including the wicket of Virat Kohli. However, despite their efforts, New Zealand’s bowlers found themselves tasked with chasing a potentially tricky total on a challenging surface.
New Zealand’s Hunt for a Historic Test Win in India
New Zealand is now on the brink of achieving their first Test win on Indian soil in 36 years. The last time they managed such a feat was in 1989, when Sir Richard Hadlee’s ten-wicket haul at the Wankhede Stadium led New Zealand to a historic 136-run victory.
With only 107 runs to chase on the final day, New Zealand has the opportunity to secure a memorable win. However, India’s bowling lineup, featuring the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin, is known for defending low totals, and the game remains wide open.
India’s Hopes Rest on Their Bowlers
India’s bowlers will need to fire on all cylinders to stand a chance. Bumrah has already set the tone, and Ravindra Jadeja and Ashwin will play critical roles in applying pressure on New Zealand’s batters. If India’s bowlers can exploit the conditions and bowl with discipline, they may still be able to defend their modest total and prevent New Zealand from achieving their target.
India and New Zealand Playing XI
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
New Zealand: Tom Latham (C), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (WK), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Will O’Rourke
Conclusion: A Nail-Biting Finish Awaits
As we approach the final day of this intriguing Test match, all eyes will be on India’s bowlers and New Zealand’s batters. Can India pull off a remarkable defense of one of the lowest fourth-innings targets in their Test history, or will New Zealand end their 36-year wait for a Test victory on Indian soil? The Chinnaswamy Stadium is set for an enthralling finish in what has been a start-stop but thoroughly competitive Test match.
