India vs New Zealand 1st Test Day 3 Highlights : India ended Day 3 at 231/3, trailing by 125 runs after a solid comeback. Virat Kohli (70) and Sarfaraz Khan (70*) both scored fifties, helping India recover after losing their early wickets. Rohit Sharma (52) provided a blistering start by reaching his half-century quickly with a couple of boundaries and a six.
Early Struggles for India
India had a tough start to the match, being bowled out for a shocking 46 in their first innings. This record-low score gave New Zealand a huge advantage.
New Zealand Posts a Strong Total
New Zealand had a smooth start in their first innings, with openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway looking solid. Latham was out for 15 after facing 49 balls. Conway then formed a good partnership with Will Young, who scored 33 off 75 balls before getting out. Conway played a strong knock but missed his century, falling to R Ashwin for 91 off 105 balls.
New Zealand posted a big total of 402 in their first innings, thanks to Rachin Ravindra, who played a fantastic knock of 134 runs from 157 balls.. His century came in 124 balls, and his partnership with Tim Southee was key to New Zealand’s success.
Southee and Ravindra’s Power-Hitting
Southee scored a brisk 65 off 73 balls, forming a game-changing 137-run partnership with Ravindra. The duo plundered 112 runs in just 97 balls toward the end of the first session, pushing New Zealand to 345/7 at lunch.
Ravindra’s Sensational Century
Ravindra hit his second Test century, showcasing his temperament and technique. His 50 came in 88 balls, but it was his century that truly stood out. He anchored New Zealand’s innings and set the foundation for a big lead.
India’s Bowlers Strike Early
Indian bowlers started Day 3 well, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj both striking early. Ravindra Jadeja then took two quick wickets, dismissing Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry, breaking New Zealand’s momentum for a while.
New Zealand’s Final Collapse
New Zealand’s innings ended when Rachin Ravindra was the last wicket to fall, but only after he made a crucial contribution. Siraj dismissed Tim Southee, ending the 137-run stand, but by then, New Zealand had a commanding lead of 356 runs.
India’s Steady Response
In response, India started strong and were 57/0 at tea. Though Yashasvi Jaiswal fell in the third session while attempting a big shot, it brought Virat Kohli to the crease. Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan then put together a solid partnership to stabilize India’s innings. Kohli’s experience and Sarfaraz’s aggressive play helped India close the day in a better position, though they still trail New Zealand by 125 runs.
Summary
India had a difficult start to the match but fought back on Day 3 with important contributions from Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Sarfaraz Khan. However, New Zealand remains in a strong position with a big first-innings lead, thanks to stellar performances from Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee. India will need to continue their fightback on Day 4 if they hope to stay in the contest.
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