India 46 and 344 for 3 (Sarfaraz 125*, Pant 53*) trail New Zealand 402 by 12 runs
In a remarkable turnaround, India’s cricket team staged a dramatic recovery from their initial collapse of 46 all out, with Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant forming a formidable partnership.
Together, they amassed an impressive 113 runs without losing a wicket in just 22 overs before lunch on Day Three of the Test match, narrowing the deficit to just 12 runs behind New Zealand with seven wickets still in hand.
Sarfaraz achieved his maiden Test century with a series of deft late cuts, while Pant, returning from a significant knee injury, displayed his aggressive batting style with an unbeaten half-century.
The duo proved to be a persistent threat for New Zealand captain Tom Latham, showing no fear of the field placements and putting the New Zealand bowlers under immense pressure.
Ajaz Patel`s performance disappointed as he struggled to find his rhythm, turning the ball less effectively than part-timer Rachin Ravindra.
Following the loss of Virat Kohli on the final ball of the previous day, India came out looking to counterattack.
Sarfaraz quickly showcased his intent with a cheeky ramp shot off Will O`Rourke`s first delivery.
The New Zealand seamers aimed to trap him lbw, unintentionally allowing Sarfaraz to score easy singles on the leg side.
Despite a close call as the keeper moved up to the stumps, Pant held firm, although the dying pitch offered little assistance to the bowlers.
Sarfaraz`s boundary off Tim Southee brought him to a heartfelt century, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Pant, meanwhile, began to find his groove, aggressively lofting Southee for a straight six and hitting two sixes in a single over from Ajaz, surpassing Kapil Dev`s record of 61 sixes.
Pant`s resilience was evident as he survived close calls in the same over yet continued to score freely, contributing to India`s tally of 47 boundaries—surpassing their total runs from the first innings.
Apart from Southee, Glenn Phillips offered some control for New Zealand, but his full toss allowed Pant to reach his half-century.
New Zealand struggled to capitalize on the mistakes made by the Indian batsmen during the session, with edges failing to carry.
The closest New Zealand came to taking a wicket was a run-out chance involving Pant, but wicketkeeper Tom Blundell missed the opportunity by failing to collect a wide throw, allowing Pant to escape unscathed.
As rain interrupted play 30 minutes before the scheduled lunch break, it provided a brief respite for New Zealand, with lunch eventually taken at 11:20 AM, ten minutes earlier than usual.
India`s aggressive approach has now set the stage for an exciting continuation of the match.
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