Pune, Oct 25 (UNI) India's pursuit of a daunting target of 359 runs in the fourth innings of the second Test against New Zealand remains a test of grit and resilience, as they reached 178 for 7 at tea on Day 3, needing 181 more runs to clinch victory.
The day began with New Zealand extending their lead to 358 runs, bolstered by a spirited performance from Glenn Phillips, who played a vital role in their second innings. Indian bowlers, particularly Ravindra Jadeja, found some rhythm, breaking a long wicket drought.
Jadeja made a significant impact by dismissing Tom Blundell for 41 and later accounted for both Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel, ending with impressive figures that kept India's hopes alive.
As India commenced their chase, the openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill exhibited aggression, propelling India to 81 for 1 at lunch. Jaiswal, in particular, showcased his talent, reaching a rapid fifty off just 41 balls. He struck a series of boundaries, including 9 boundaries and three sixes, but eventually fell victim to a well-executed delivery from Santner, departing for 77 runs.
Shubman Gill contributed 23 runs before being dismissed in a similar fashion, edging a sharp catch to slip off a delivery that turned sharply from Santner. India's middle order, however, faltered under pressure. Notably, Rishabh Pant was run out for a duck, joining an unfortunate list of top-order batsmen dismissed in this manner, including Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara in past Tests.
Virat Kohli, who has struggled to find form, managed only 17 runs before being trapped LBW by Santner, further intensifying the pressure on the Indian batting lineup. Washington Sundar showed resilience but was eventually caught off Glenn Phillips' bowling for 21 runs.
As the tea break approached, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin remained at the crease, with Jadeja on 4 off 13 balls and Ashwin on 9. India requires a monumental effort to overcome the remaining target of 181 runs against a disciplined New Zealand spin attack, spearheaded by Santner, who has taken five wickets and demonstrated remarkable control throughout the match.
As the players head into the final session, India face a steep challenge to secure a historic victory on home soil. The result hangs in the balance, with the team needing a substantial partnership from its remaining batsmen to overcome the formidable New Zealand spinners. The match continues to unfold with anticipation as fans eagerly await the outcome.
New Zealand: 1st Innings - 259 all out; 2nd Innings - 255 all out; India: 1st Innings - 156 all out; 2nd Innings - 178 for 7 (40 overs); Target: 359 runs; Runs Required: 181 runs; Top Scorer in 2nd Innings: Yashasvi Jaiswal - 77 runs; Current Batsmen: Ravindra Jadeja (30*), Ravichandran Ashwin (9*).
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