3rd Test
Day-3 Morning Session Highlights:
Rishabh Pant has kept the India’s hopes alive in a turbulent morning session
At The Lunch of Day-3:
New Zealand scored 235 (1st Innings) and 174 (2nd Innings), where as India scored 263 (1st Innings) and 92/6 (2nd Innings).
So, finally New Zealand lead by 54 runs.
Rishabh Pant’s 50-ball 53* has kept India in the hunt, with the home side still fighting despite New Zealand heading into the lunch break on the third day of the final Test in Mumbai, maintaining their confidence of sealing a historic 3-0 sweep.
Chasing a challenging target of 147 on a deteriorating pitch, India found themselves in deep trouble at 29/5 by the seventh over before Pant launched his counterattack.
The left-hander seemed unfazed by the precarious situation, employing his unconventional methods to steady the ship.
Ravindra Jadeja provided support with a 42-run stand before he was dismissed just before the break.
Washington Sundar, looking assured at the crease, has joined Pant, and this partnership could very well determine the outcome of the game.
The day began with Jadeja picking up the final wicket of Ajaz Patel, registering yet another fifer in Tests and becoming the first all-rounder to claim two five-wicket hauls in the same match.
With India set a target of 147, they faced the prospect of avoiding a series whitewash at home.
New Zealand, however, made the perfect start with the ball, as Rohit Sharma’s woes continued.
The Indian skipper misjudged a pull shot off Matt Henry, and from there, the visitors capitalized, making early inroads.
India’s continued vulnerability against spin was exposed once again as Ajaz Patel caused further problems.
Shubman Gill misjudged an arm ball, which crashed into his stumps, while Virat Kohli, once again struggling against spin, was dismissed by Ajaz, caught behind after being beaten by the drift and turn.
Yashasvi Jaiswal fell to an in-drifter from Glenn Phillips, trapped LBW, and Sarfaraz Khan’s ill-timed sweep off a full toss resulted in a top edge caught by the keeper.
Pant, however, was undeterred.
He took the attack to the spinners, using his footwork and positive intent to disrupt their rhythm.
Though Jadeja and Pant looked to be settling in, Will Young pulled off a stunning catch at short leg to dismiss the latter.
Sundar, too, offered a chance just before the break, but Devon Conway couldn’t hold onto the chance.
With 55 runs still needed and four wickets remaining, the game is finely poised for a thrilling conclusion.
Realistically, Pant stands as India’s last hope of thwarting New Zealand’s dreams of a series whitewash.
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