Day 3 of the India vs New Zealand Test series came to an exciting close, with Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan playing pivotal roles in guiding India to a strong position. After a tough start, India showed resilience, ending the day at 265/6, trailing New Zealand’s first-innings score of 375 by 110 runs.
Early Setback for India
India began their innings with high hopes, but the New Zealand bowlers struck early. Opener Shubman Gill, who had been in fine form recently, was dismissed cheaply by a brilliant delivery from Trent Boult. Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, also couldn’t hold out for long, falling to a swinging delivery from Tim Southee. At 55/3, India’s hopes seemed dim, and the pressure was mounting on the middle order.
Kohli Steadies the Ship
In times of crisis, India often turns to Virat Kohli, and this time was no different. Coming in at number four, Kohli faced the challenge head-on. His calm and composed approach helped India regain some momentum. Playing classic cover drives and rotating the strike efficiently, Kohli looked determined to steer India out of trouble.
Kohli’s partnership with Ajinkya Rahane stabilized the innings. The two experienced players added a crucial 87 runs before Rahane was dismissed for 49, just one run short of a half-century. Despite Rahane’s departure, Kohli continued to bat with confidence, reaching his half-century, a sign of his growing form in this series.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Vital Knock
One of the biggest positives for India on Day 3 was Sarfaraz Khan’s gritty performance. Known for his aggressive yet measured batting, Sarfaraz came in when India was in a vulnerable position at 162/4. He batted with determination, supporting Kohli at the other end.
Sarfaraz’s innings was a combination of aggression and patience. He played some powerful shots to relieve the pressure, especially against the spinners. His ability to read the game and play according to the situation showed maturity beyond his years.
Sarfaraz and Kohli built a solid partnership of 65 runs, helping India inch closer to New Zealand’s total. Unfortunately, Kohli was dismissed for 79, missing out on a well-deserved century. Sarfaraz continued the fight, ending the day unbeaten on 38, with Ravichandran Ashwin giving him company at the other end.
New Zealand’s Bowling Performance
The New Zealand bowlers, especially Boult and Southee, were relentless in their attack. Boult’s early breakthroughs and Southee’s consistency kept the pressure on the Indian batsmen. Spinner Ajaz Patel also played a key role, dismissing Rahane and Kohli at crucial junctures. However, they would be wary of India’s depth in batting as the match progresses into Day 4.
What’s Next?
India will look to capitalize on the hard work of Kohli and Sarfaraz on Day 4. With only four wickets remaining, much depends on how Sarfaraz and Ashwin play in the morning session. India will aim to get closer to New Zealand’s total to level the playing field.
New Zealand, on the other hand, will be looking for quick wickets to put pressure back on India. The first session of Day 4 could be a turning point in this tightly-contested match.
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Conclusion
India’s recovery on Day 3 was led by the experience of Virat Kohli and the young talent of Sarfaraz Khan. The duo showcased India’s fighting spirit, making the Test match evenly poised. As we head into Day 4, cricket fans worldwide will be eagerly watching to see how this thrilling contest unfolds. Stay tuned for more updates as the match progresses.
