India, who had built a commanding lead of 408/3 at one stage, suffered a collapse, losing their last seven wickets for just 54 runs. Sarfaraz Khan led the charge with a superb 150, while Rishabh Pant fell agonizingly short of his century, dismissed for 99. The hosts crumbled under pressure as New Zealand’s pacers found movement and cracks on the pitch to dismantle India’s batting lineup.
Sarfaraz and Pant’s thrilling 177-run partnership for the fourth wicket had put India in a commanding position, but New Zealand’s bowlers, led by O’Rourke (3-92) and Henry (3-102), turned the game around. Sarfaraz’s maiden Test century was laced with 18 boundaries and three sixes, while Pant’s aggressive 99 featured nine fours and five towering sixes.
The day started brightly for India, with Sarfaraz continuing his dominant display from the previous evening. He peppered the off-side with boundaries, reaching his maiden Test century with a stylish backfoot punch off Tim Southee. The celebration that followed saw the right-hander raise his bat high and share a joyous moment with Pant, as the packed stadium rose to applaud the sensational knock.
Pant, battling knee discomfort, accelerated after lunch, smashing sixes off Ajaz Patel and Southee. His aggressive approach was on full display, and he looked set to reach his hundred until O’Rourke’s delivery caught him off guard, rattling his stumps on 99.
The second new ball proved decisive as O’Rourke and Henry ran through India’s lower order. Henry dismissed Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah in quick succession to close out the innings at 462.
With the pitch offering assistance to the seamers, India will need a special performance from their bowlers to have any chance of defending the 106-run lead. New Zealand, however, appear favorites to chase down the modest target on a surface that has provided plenty of drama and excitement over the first four days.
Brief Scores:
India 46 and 462 all out in 99.3 overs (Sarfaraz Khan 150, Rishabh Pant 99; William O’Rourke 3-92, Matt Henry 3-102)
New Zealand 402 & 0/0
