The ongoing Test match between India and New Zealand (IND vs NZ) is no less than a high end thriller. The fourth day of the match has ended in a dramatic manner. Umpires called stumps early due to poor weather conditions, heavy grey clouds over the M Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium. Heroic innings of Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant cut short after the introduction of the second new ball. From 408 for 4 wickets to 462 runs for 10 wickets, the Kiwis took six in exchange for only 54 runs. The battle is yet not over; hope still remains for India for a historic win.
If the weather clears on the last day of the game, New Zealand’s innings will start on scheduled time. New Zealand have to score 107 runs with all ten wickets in hand to win the Test match. The target might not look challenging, but the surface at the M Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium can turn tricky on the fifth day for the batters.
Indian bowlers will have to take advantage of the overcast condition in Bengaluru. In the fourth day’s play, there was heavy rain; in the end, there will be moisture on the ground and pitch. New Zealand can try to score runs with quick fashion from the beginning of the day. If then Indian bowlers can take advantage of the weather situation, then tables can start to turn, like on the first inning when New Zealand cease the Indian innings at 46 runs.
Team India can benefit from overcast conditions. With the final new ball of the Bengaluru Test match, Mohammed Siraj will also have to push along with Jasprit Bumrah for Team India. If Bumrah and Siraj give New Zealand an early blow in the first session, then the pressure on the Kiwi team will increase. If Team India has to win the match on the last day of the game, then they will also put some extra effort into fielding. Players will have to convert half chances into wickets.