Bengaluru Test on Edge: Can India Survive the Final Day Amid Rain Threats and New Zealand Pressure?

INDC Network : Cricket : IND vs NZ 1st Test: Will Rain Save India on the Final Day?

As the first Test between India and New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru reaches its climactic final day, all eyes are on two unpredictable elements—the weather and New Zealand's charge to victory. With India managing a slim lead of just 106 runs after being bowled out for 462 in the second innings, the Kiwis need just 107 runs to win. However, with heavy rain predicted, the question looms: Will rain save India from defeat?

India's Fightback After a Shaky Start

India's first innings had been nothing short of disastrous. The home side was bundled out for a paltry 46 runs, with Matt Henry and William O'Rourke wrecking the top and middle order. Henry claimed a brilliant five-wicket haul, while O'Rourke added four scalps to his name. The Indian batting collapse saw five players dismissed for ducks, with only two batters managing to reach double figures.

New Zealand took full advantage, with their openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway putting on a solid 67-run partnership. Though Latham was dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav for 15, Conway held firm, stitching together a 75-run stand with Will Young. Despite a middle-order collapse, New Zealand's innings was revived by Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee, who added a crucial 137-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Ravindra notched up his maiden Test century, while Southee's vital half-century propelled New Zealand to a first-innings total of 402 runs, securing a substantial lead over India.

India's Response in the Second Innings

India’s second innings saw a much-improved performance. Openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal gave India a solid start with a 72-run partnership before both were removed by Ajaz Patel. The middle-order, led by Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan, steadied the ship, contributing a 136-run partnership for the third wicket. Kohli fell for 70 at the end of Day 3, but Sarfaraz continued to shine on Day 4, bringing up his maiden Test century.

Joining him was the dynamic Rishabh Pant, who narrowly missed his own century, falling for 99. New Zealand's pacers, with the second new ball, troubled India’s lower order, but the hosts managed to post a strong total of 462, giving them a lead of just 106 runs.

Final Day: Rain Looms Large Over Bengaluru

As we enter the final day, New Zealand is well-positioned to chase down the target of 107 runs. However, the weather forecast suggests rain will be a major factor, potentially deciding the fate of the match. According to the Meteorological Department, there's an 80% chance of rain in Bengaluru today. AccuWeather reports predict rain from the first session, with thunderstorms expected between 9-10 AM, which could delay the start of play.

The temperature is expected to hover between 22°C and 27°C, with 100% cloud cover throughout the day. High humidity levels of around 60-70% will make conditions even more challenging, raising fears of a complete washout. The weather had already impacted earlier days of the Test, with Day 1 completely washed out and rain on Day 4 disrupting play.

Both teams face a race against time to make the most of whatever play remains on Day 5. If the rain holds off long enough for New Zealand to chase down the target, they could walk away with a victory. However, India will be hoping for early wickets and a chance to turn the game around or for the weather to intervene in their favor.

India vs New Zealand 1st Test: Final Day Drama

With just one day left and all three results still on the table—an Indian win, a New Zealand victory, or a rain-affected draw—the Bengaluru Test hangs in the balance. Will New Zealand complete the chase, or will rain provide India with a lifeline? Fans from both sides eagerly await the final day’s play, hoping the weather doesn’t steal the show entirely.