New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra produced a brilliant, unbeaten 104 to dominate Day 3 of the first Test against India in Bengaluru, helping his team extend their lead to 299 runs. Despite India’s strong start with early wickets in the morning session, Ravindra’s masterclass with the bat, supported by Tim Southee’s 49*, left the visitors in full control of the match.
India’s Early Success with the Ball
The day began with promise for India, as their bowlers took early wickets, aiming to restrict New Zealand’s lead. Mohammed Siraj struck first, removing Daryl Mitchell, and Jasprit Bumrah followed up with the dismissal of Tom Blundell, halting New Zealand’s progress. With the score at 193/3, India’s hopes of a quick wrap-up seemed within reach. Ravindra Jadeja further boosted India’s momentum, picking up two key wickets and reducing New Zealand to 233/7.
India’s Early Wickets (193/3 to 233/7),
| Bowler | Wickets Taken | Key Dismissals |
|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Siraj | 1 | Daryl Mitchell (Gully) |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 1 | Tom Blundell (Bowled) |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 2 | Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry |
Ravindra’s Game-Changing Century
Just when India seemed to be in control, Rachin Ravindra unleashed remarkable innings that turned the tide in New Zealand’s favour. The left-hander played fearlessly against India’s spinners, using his feet and playing off the back foot precisely. He took particular advantage of favourable matchups, hitting boundaries off Ravindra Jadeja and dispatching Ravichandran Ashwin for 20 runs in one over, which rattled the Indian bowling attack.
Ravindra’s innings wasn’t just about boundaries; it was his ability to resist pressure and grind out the runs that made the difference. He displayed great technique and temperament on a pitch that was starting to offer turn, expertly handling India’s spinners while frustrating their attempts to end the innings quickly.
Ravindra’s Stand with Tim Southee,
| Player | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rachin Ravindra | 104* | 125 | 12 | 2 |
| Tim Southee | 49* | 68 | 6 | 1 |
India’s Inconsistent Spin Attack
India’s spinners, who had earlier shown promise, failed to maintain consistency in the second half of the morning session. Despite taking three wickets, Ravindra Jadeja couldn’t break the crucial eighth-wicket partnership between Ravindra and Southee. Ashwin, who usually thrives in such conditions, struggled to find his rhythm, leaking runs at crucial moments. India’s inability to keep up the pressure allowed New Zealand to push their lead well beyond 250, with the visitors now sitting comfortably with a 299-run advantage.
India’s Struggles with the Bat
India’s batsmen will face a challenging task as they look to close the gap in their second innings. With the pitch expected to deteriorate further over the next two days, batting will become progressively difficult. New Zealand’s lead now places them firmly in the driver’s seat, and India will need a special performance from their top order to get back into the game.
Match Summary,
| Teams | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 345/7 (Ravindra 104*, Conway 91) | – | Lead by 299 |
| India | 46 (Matt Henry 5-15, William ORourke 4-22) | – | Trailing |
Rachin Ravindra’s incredible century has left India with an uphill battle in Bengaluru. His resilient performance, alongside Tim Southee’s valuable contribution, undid all of India’s early efforts with the ball. With a lead of 299 and two days left to play, New Zealand is in the commanding position to push for a victory, leaving India needing a heroic effort to save the match.
