IND vs NZ 1st Test Day 4: Sarfaraz Khan’s Heroics Bring India Close to Lead Against New Zealand
Day 4 of the IND vs NZ 1st Test has kicked off with excitement as Sarfaraz Khan played some high-risk shots to score his maiden Test century against New Zealand. Sarfaraz’s aggressive approach was a delight to watch, and he was well-supported by Rishabh Pant, who joined him in the middle as India set their sights on reducing the Kiwi lead.
90.2 William ORourke to Rahul, out Caught by Blundell!! Rahul c Blundell b William ORourke 12(16)
84.1 Sarfaraz Khan goes after scoring 150 💥, India 408/4
150 for the gentleman who has built up an enormous domestic cricket run tally!
Day 4: 2nd Session - India leads by 33 runs
Still wearing that umbrella, but the fourth umpire is out. It's still drizzling. So we'll hold off."
The rain is still pounding. "Very powerful, not seeming too good," is the most recent report made by the spot.
They've had their lunch. Play is scheduled to resume at 12:00, assuming good weather. Then, we'll return with the most updated
Oh my, it's starting to shower a bit, so the players have taken off and put on their covers. Looks so ominous and dark.
70.4 Four Runs For Pant 💥 , he smashes to deep extra cover, He moves up to 50 as well
68.6 Phillips to Sarfaraz, FOUR 💥 , He hits down the ground for Four, India are in Beast Mood, India 334/3
India scored 16 of the over, and Rishab Pant hits back-to-back sixes to Ijaz Patel 💥
Sarfaraz Khan 114*, Rishab Pant 24 *
Drinks. The fantastic 💥 first part of the morning session. Pant scored most of the points and displayed bravery. Pant acted responsibly and talked when he could. India currently has 62 a drift
Here the Live Action Starts
India made a strong start to the day, adding 49 runs in the first 10 overs of play. With the lead rapidly being cut down, India is in a promising position to turn things around. Former Indian coach Anil Kumble even commented, “If Pant bats till lunch, India will take the lead.” However, the overcast conditions in Bengaluru could play a role in this Test, potentially favoring New Zealand’s strong pace attack.
India's Strong Comeback
India entered Day 4 needing to reduce the lead set by New Zealand, and they’ve done so effectively thanks to Sarfaraz Khan’s brilliant batting display. Scoring his first Test century under challenging conditions, Sarfaraz showed no fear, playing aggressive shots that helped India inch closer to New Zealand's lead.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant is known for his attacking style and could be the key to pushing India into the lead. The partnership between Sarfaraz and Pant has already put pressure on the Kiwi bowlers, and if they stay at the crease for a few more overs, India may well take the lead before lunch.
Overcast Conditions Favor New Zealand’s Pace Attack
While India’s batting has been top-notch so far on Day 4, the weather could be an issue. The overcast conditions in Bengaluru are expected to help New Zealand’s fast bowlers. We saw how they dominated on Day 1, and they could very well do the same if the conditions remained the same. Trent Boult and Tim Southee will be looking to exploit the cloud cover, and India will need to stay cautious.
For me, this is the turning point in the game. If New Zealand can take a couple of quick wickets, India’s charge might stall, and the Kiwis could regain control of the match.
Pant and Sarfaraz’s Partnership: The Game-Changer
In my opinion, the partnership between Pant and Sarfaraz will define the outcome of the Test. Both players can accelerate the scoring and turn the match in India’s favor. Anil Kumble rightly pointed out that Pant’s role is crucial. If he stays at the crease till lunch, India will likely take the lead, shifting the pressure onto New Zealand.
On the other hand, if New Zealand’s bowlers can break this partnership, India could struggle to recover. The next session will be critical in determining the match's direction.
Key Highlights of Day 4
- Sarfaraz Khan reached his first Test century with a brilliant display of aggressive batting.
- India added 49 runs in the first 10 overs of Day 4, significantly reducing New Zealand’s lead.
- Rishabh Pant joined Sarfaraz at the crease, and their partnership could be the game-changer for India.
- Overcast conditions in Bengaluru could favor New Zealand’s pace attack, making the next few overs crucial.
What to Expect for the Rest of Day 4
As we move further into Day 4, I expect the contest to get more intense. New Zealand will be looking to break the Sarfaraz-Pant partnership and get into India’s lower order. For India, maintaining its current momentum will be key. If Pant and Sarfaraz can stay together till lunch, India might take the lead, and the balance of the game will shift in their favor.
The weather will also play a big part. Overcast skies mean more help for the pacers, and New Zealand’s quick bowlers will aim to exploit that.
Also Read: IND vs NZ Live: India Faces Early Setback
FAQs
1. What is the current score of India on Day 4?
India is reducing New Zealand’s lead, having added 49 runs in the first 10 overs of Day 4.
2. Who has been the standout player for India on Day 4?
Sarfaraz Khan scored his first Test century, playing high-risk shots that helped India get closer to the lead.
3. How are the conditions in Bengaluru?
It’s overcast, which could favor New Zealand’s pace bowlers. This might make it harder for India’s batsmen to maintain their current momentum.
4. What is India’s strategy going into Day 4?
India is focusing on reducing New Zealand’s lead with the aggressive batting of Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant. They aim to take the lead before lunch.
5. Can New Zealand’s bowlers turn things around on Day 4?
Yes, the overcast conditions could give New Zealand’s fast bowlers an edge. They might regain control if they can break the partnership between Pant and Sarfaraz.
Conclusion
Day 4 of the IND vs NZ 1st Test has started with excitement and could go either way. With Sarfaraz Khan leading India’s charge and Rishabh Pant providing solid support, India is well on its way to taking the lead. However, the game is still wide open with overcast skies favoring New Zealand’s pace attack. Stay tuned as we head towards a thrilling finish!
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