New Zealand tightened their grip on the first Test against India, with their first innings at 402 and setting the hosts a daunting target of 356 runs. Rachin Ravindra, who resumed his innings on 22, played a magnificent knock of 134, anchoring the New Zealand innings and frustrating the Indian bowlers.
Ravindra's century, his second in Test cricket and his second international hundred in Bengaluru, the city of his roots, was the cornerstone of New Zealand's dominance on Day 3. He received valuable support from Tim Southee, who smashed a quickie 65, as the pair punished the Indian bowlers in a century eighth-wicket stand.
Despite showing early promise with the new ball, India's bowlers couldn't maintain the pressure. Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah kept things tight initially, picking up a wicket each, but Ravindra and Southee weathered the storm and launched a counter-attack.
Ravindra, displaying remarkable composure and a wide range of strokes, accelerated his scoring rate, reaching his century with a flurry of boundaries. Southee, known for his aggressive batting, played the perfect foil, providing valuable support and keeping the scoreboard ticking.
With a massive target looming, India faces an uphill battle, let alone win the match. Their batting lineup, which crumbled for a paltry 46 in the first innings, will need to show immense resilience and application to counter the New Zealand attack.
This Test match has showcased the contrasting fortunes of the two sides. New Zealand, after being asked to field first, has seized control with disciplined bowling and impressive batting displays. India, on the other hand, will need to produce a remarkable turnaround to avoid a defeat in their own backyard.
