IND vs NZ 1st Test Day 5: New Zealand in control as rain looms over final day
New Delhi: The first Test between India and New Zealand is set for a thrilling conclusion. New Zealand require just 107 runs to secure a 1-0 lead in the series, but with play shifting to Day 5, the pitch is offering significant assistance to the bowlers. While all three outcomes—an Indian win, a New Zealand win, or a draw—are still on the table, New Zealand holds a slight advantage, having all 10 wickets intact. The fourth day ended with the umpires calling off play due to poor light, which suited New Zealand as they were content to leave the field. India, however, had hoped to continue, seeking the chance to exploit the bowling-friendly conditions and take a few early wickets.
As the final day approaches, all attention turns to the weather, which could play a decisive role in the contest between India and New Zealand as they vie for an early series lead. The forecast indicates cloudy conditions with a possibility of thunderstorms. Breaking it down further, there’s a 51 percent chance of rain at 9:00 AM IST, with the likelihood of showers hovering around 50 percent until 4:00 PM. If the rain persists through the afternoon, a draw could become the most likely outcome. However, Bengaluru’s world-class drainage system could be a game-changer, as it typically takes only 45 to 60 minutes to resume play once the rain stops.
New Zealand will be hoping for around 30-40 overs of play, which could provide them enough time to chase down the required runs. India, however, will need as many overs as possible to push for a win, relying on their bowlers to make the most of the conditions and take all ten New Zealand wickets. The outcome of the match will depend heavily on how much play the weather allows on this crucial final day.
The hosts will be disappointed not to have set a larger target for New Zealand. India seemed poised to set a target of over 250 runs, with Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99) in full flow. However, the second new ball turned the tide, leading to a dramatic collapse. India went from a strong position at 408-3 to being bowled out for 462, losing their last seven wickets for just 56 runs. This collapse left New Zealand with a more manageable target than India had hoped.
It has been a bittersweet Test for India so far. They can take pride in pushing the game into a fourth innings after being bowled out for just 46 runs in the first innings. However, it will sting to have gained a position where they could have controlled the match, only to let it slip away. Despite this setback, the Indian camp remains hopeful that their formidable bowling attack can bowl out New Zealand before they reach the target. Achieving this will require an extraordinary effort from the bowlers, but India will back themselves to rise to the challenge.