The first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru remains delicately poised as persistent rain brought an early end to Day 4, leaving the match hanging in the balance. Despite a spirited fight back from the Indian batsmen, led by Sarfaraz Khan's magnificent 150 and Rishabh Pant's explosive 99, the weather gods intervened, denying the hosts a chance to push for victory.
India, determined to overcome their disastrous first-innings collapse, showcased their batting depth and resilience. Sarfaraz Khan's maiden Test century, a master class in controlled aggression, anchored the innings, while Pant's explosive knock injected a much-needed dose of energy. Their combined efforts propelled India to a respectable 462 in their second innings, setting New Zealand a target of 107 runs for victory.
Just as the Kiwis were about to embark on their chase, bad light and subsequent heavy rain forced an early stumps. With only four balls bowled in the final session, New Zealand's openers, Tom Latham and Devon Conway, remain unbeaten at the crease, the scorecard reading 0/0.
