Captain Tom Latham faced four deliveries from Jasprit Bumrah, including an lbw appeal for an inswinger, which replays indicated pitched outside leg, leading India to waste a review. As the sky darkened, the on-field umpires checked the light meter and decided to leave the field, though India disagreed and engaged in a discussion with them.
Persistent morning rain delayed play until 1:50 pm, but once underway, a 177-run partnership between Sarfaraz and Pant for the fourth wicket pushed India into the lead.
After Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal put on 72 runs for the first wicket, Sarfaraz came out firing, finishing unbeaten on 70 off 78 balls, with seven fours and three sixes. Kohli showcased his classic style, effortlessly driving, lofting, and sweeping his way to 70 runs off 102 balls, making him the fourth Indian to reach the 9,000 Test run milestone.
Ravindra impressed with 13 fours and four sixes in his 157-ball innings, marking his second international century in Bengaluru, the city of his family’s roots. He also contributed to a vital 137-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Tim Southee, who scored 65 off 73 balls. This partnership is now tied for the highest eighth-wicket partnership for New Zealand in Tests against India.
After bowling India out for 46—their lowest total at home in Tests and the third lowest overall—thanks to Matt Henry’s 5-15 and William O’Rourke’s 4-22, New Zealand gained the lead, propelled by Conway’s performance, which notably included his impressive handling of the Indian spinners.
As bright sunshine gradually gave way, Conway excelled at clipping and driving Mohammed Siraj for boundaries, followed by expertly timing his fours off Jasprit Bumrah. What truly stood out in Conway’s impressive innings was his ability to take on premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
