18-Oct-2024, 12:57 PM
In the opening session of Day 3 of the first Test match between India and New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee significantly impacted the game, frustrating Indian celebrations. At lunch, New Zealand had amassed a formidable total of 345 for 7, extending their lead to 299 runs, largely due to Ravindra’s impressive unbeaten century.
Rachin Ravindra, showcasing remarkable skill and composure, reached his century with a score of 104 not out from just 125 balls, which included 11 boundaries and two sixes. His performance was pivotal in stabilizing New Zealand’s innings after they had lost several wickets earlier in the match. Alongside him, Southee contributed a valuable 49 runs, forming an unbeaten partnership of 112 runs for the eighth wicket. This partnership not only bolstered New Zealand’s total but also demoralized the Indian bowling attack, which had hoped to capitalize on early breakthroughs.
India’s situation was dire from the outset, having been bowled out for a mere 46 runs in their first innings—their lowest score in a home Test. The Indian batting lineup struggled against the New Zealand pace attack, with five of the eight batters failing to score any runs. Notable players like Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja returned to the pavilion without troubling the scorers, leaving Rishabh Pant as the top scorer with just 20 runs.As lunch approached on Day 3, New Zealand’s dominance was clear.
Their lead of 299 runs placed immense pressure on the Indian team, who needed a strong response to avoid a potential defeat. The Indian bowlers had managed to take some wickets earlier in the innings, with Ravindra Jadeja claiming three wickets and Jasprit Bumrah adding one. However, their efforts were overshadowed by Ravindra and Southee’s resilient batting.
The session underscored New Zealand’s control over the match, effectively ruining any celebrations India might have anticipated following their initial bowling success. As the players headed into lunch, it was evident that India faced an uphill battle to regain momentum in this Test series. The combination of Ravindra’s batting prowess and Southee’s experience positioned New Zealand firmly in the driver’s seat as they aimed for a commanding victory.
