A resilient Indian team maintained their aspirations for a remarkable comeback, propelled by impressive half-centuries from the trio of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Sarfaraz Khan, as they reached a score of 231 for 3 in their second innings on the third day of the inaugural Test match against New Zealand on Friday. Kohli, who scored 70 runs and achieved the milestone of 9,000 Test runs during his innings, was dismissed by Glenn Phillips on the final delivery of the day, edging the ball to wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, while Sarfaraz remained at the crease with an equal score of 70 as play concluded. At the end of a day characterized by overcast conditions, India faced a deficit of 125 runs, a significantly less daunting figure than before, thanks to the 136-run partnership for the third wicket between Kohli and Sarfaraz, following an assertive start from captain Rohit Sharma, who contributed a brisk 52 runs. This performance came in response to New Zealand’s formidable total of 402 all out, which had given them a substantial lead of 356 runs, bolstered by Rachin Ravindra’s impressive 134 and Tim Southee’s valuable 63, with the two players forming a crucial eighth-wicket partnership that added 134 runs to the team’s total.
India-New Zealand Test Series: Overcoming Challenges in Batting.
