Nine wickets are required for India. New Zealand requires 280 runs to win the game. On the last day of the first Test at Kanpur’s Green Park, this was the simple equation. On the final day, the Kiwis will attempt a record-breaking chase of 284 runs. The greatest hunt by a visiting team in Tests in India has been 276 runs, and New Zealand will need a tremendous effort from their batting line-up(IND vs NZ).

Furthermore, they have also already dropped opener Will Young and have 9 wickets in hand. Close to the end in the day, Ravi Ashwin’s spinning delivery remained fairly low and trapped him in front of the wickets. Despite the fact that the ball was heading down the leg, the batsman was too slow in analysing the choice and had to head back. New Zealand finished the day at 4/1 after 4 overs and face a massive task even if the Test match is drawn.

Up early, India was astonished by the outstanding bowling of Nz fast bowler Tim Southee. The hosts opened at 14/1 and quickly lost Cheteshwar Pujara, while Kyle Jamieson continued to amaze. Ajaz Patel then scooped up the Indian captain, Ajinkya Rahane, and continued his brilliance of Southee.

Southee was at his finest attempting to land the ball in the right spots while swinging the ball on a foggy morning. He first got Mayank Agarwal to make a mistake by edgeing one to the slips, and afterwards Ravindra Jadeja was captured full toss in front of the stumps. Situation got dismal for the home team at 51/5, with a lead of just 100 runs.

Saha was committed to making an influence for the team despite suffering from a stiff neck

Ravi Ashwin was put in to bat before of Wriddhiman Saha, and he put on a good stand with Shreyas Iyer. The centurion debutant from the very first innings displayed steely nerves once more. The pair limited New Zealand’s approach, with Ashwin placing the delivery quite well earlier on, immediately relieving India of burden. Iyer, on the other hand, made certain that he kept on and performed defensively despite punishing poor passes.

Eventually just after lunch hour, Ashwin chopped one onto his stumps off Jamieson, breaking the 52-run partnership. After Saha started walking out to bat, India’s comeback in the game started. Iyer was batting remarkably well by that point because the pair didn’t let the opposition bowlers control. They put on 64 runs for the 7th wicket, and Iyer proceeded to amaze on his debut with another half-century.

The pace of run-scoring was sluggish on the day, but New Zealand’s chances of winning were rapidly decreasing with each run. Tim Southee mauled Iyer down the leg-side just like he appeared to be on his way to a new personal best. The visitors would have wished to wipe down India’s tail at the time, but Saha was committed to making an influence for the team having suffered from a stiff neck.

He discovered an able partner in Axar Patel, who also batted well in the first innings. Despite having a lead of more than 250 runs, India never attempted to increase the stakes. They ultimately declared on 234/7, with Saha staying unbeaten on 61 off 126 deliveries after having scored his first 50 in 4 years. Axar also contributed, scoring 28 runs.

Upon combating through all 4 days of the Test series, New Zealand seems to be in a winning position. However, given the declining pitch and the fact that the first session will be crucial for both teams on the the last day, it appears impossible. If India makes an early breakthrough, they will be able to end the game quickly. New Zealand, on the other side, would prefer to take it one step, and if they lose initial wickets, they may even settle for a tie.

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