Pant’s Grit Keeps India’s Slim Victory Hopes Alive
AFP/APP
Mumbai: Rishabh Pant’s resilient unbeaten 53 led India to 92-6 at lunch on day three of the final Test, keeping their hopes alive as they chase 147 to avoid a 3-0 series sweep by New Zealand at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
India still requires 55 runs with four wickets remaining, while New Zealand needs four wickets to secure victory. Pant, along with left-hander Washington Sundar, who is on six, held firm at the break.
Earlier, India dismissed New Zealand for 174, with Ravindra Jadeja taking a remarkable five-wicket haul on a turning track. Despite the strong bowling effort, India’s top order struggled against New Zealand’s attack, led by spinner Ajaz Patel.
Read More:https://thepenpk.com/ajaz-patels-five-wickets-give-new-zealand-hope/
Fast bowler Matt Henry struck early, removing Indian skipper Rohit Sharma for 11. Ajaz, born in Mumbai, bowled Shubman Gill and later dismissed Virat Kohli, caught at slip for one, leaving the crowd stunned. The collapse continued as Glenn Phillips trapped Yashasvi Jaiswal lbw for five, followed by Sarfaraz Khan’s dismissal off Ajaz, reducing India to a perilous 29-5.
Pant’s crucial 42-run stand for the sixth wicket briefly steadied India’s innings before Ajaz removed Jadeja for six.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand’s innings ended swiftly, with Jadeja completing a match haul of 10 wickets after dismissing Ajaz, who was caught attempting a slog sweep.
The thrilling match remains in the balance, with both sides aiming to clinch the decider.
