India vs New Zealand, NZ in IND, 3 Test Series, 2024 Full score card

FOUR! THE BLACKCAPS HAVE DONE IT! Ravindra Jadeja drops it short and outside off, Will Young cuts it away. Jasprit Bumrah at short third dives to his left but fails to stop it from going for a boundary. It is all smiles in the Kiwi camp, both Rachin Ravindra and Will Young hug each other and walk off with a big smile on their faces. NEW ZEALAND WIN BY 8 WICKETS!

Quicker, full and on middle, Will Young blocks it out.

SCORES LEVEL! Flighted, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra sweeps it towards deep square leg for a run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Will Young lofts it away but not with much timing. The batters think it will go away, a few Kiwi fans and the dressing room start celebrating, but it slows down in the outfield as mid on mops it up. Only a single taken!

Full, on off, Will Young knocks it down to long on and takes a single. New Zealand just 3 runs away now!

Flatter, full and on leg, stay low. Will Young moves back to work it away but misses.

Shortish and on middle, Will Young keeps it out to the leg side.

FOUR! Nicely played! 100 UP FOR THE KIWIS! Flighted, full and around middle. Will Young moves away from the traditional way and brings out the reverse sweep through backward point for a boundary. New Zealand just one hit away from the win now!

BEAUTY! Floated, full and on off, holds its line. Will Young gets drawn forward and tries to block but plays down the wrong line as the ball zips past the outside edge.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Will Young stays deep in his crease and blocks it out.

Quicker, full and angling into leg, Will Young misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards short fine leg. A leg bye is taken.

A bit short again, on middle, Will Young keeps it out.

Flatter, short and on middle, Will Young moves back to defend but gets a leading edge along the ground towards point.

Flighted, full and on middle, Will Young defends it on the front foot.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Will Young prods out and blocks it.

Floated, full and on middle, angling in, Will Young fends it off the inner half of the bat to the leg side.

Darts one full and on leg, Rachin Ravindra once again gets low and tries to paddle it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Gives this one some more flight, full and on off, this one grip and turns away with bounce. Rachin Ravindra goes down for the sweep but misses it completely.

Tossed up, full and on off, Rachin Ravindra prods out and blocks it away.

INTO THE SINGLE DIGITS NOW! Flighted, full and on off, Will Young drills it towards long on for a single. The Kiwis need 9 runs to win now!

Floated, full and on middle, Will Young turns it to the leg side.

Flatter, short and on middle, Will Young nudges it to short mid-wicket.

Ravichandran Ashwin is introduced into the attack with New Zealand needing just 10 more runs to win.

Goes short and around off, Will Young cuts it through cover-point for one.

Flighted, full and on off, Rachin Ravindra sweeps it towards deep square leg for a single.

Pushed through quicker but well outside off, Rachin Ravindra leaves it alone.

Quicker, short and around off,, Rachin Ravindra moves back to punch it but misses.

Tossed up, full and on off, Rachin Ravindra strides out to block it away.

A massive shout for caught behind, but turned down! Floated, full and around off, Rachin Ravindra goes for the sweep but hits his bat on the ground and misses it. The Indians think he has hit that but in the end decides against the review.

Looped up, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra drills it down to long on for a single. The Kiwis inching closer to the win now!

Goes short again, on middle, Rachin Ravindra moves back and pushes it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Fine shot! Flighted, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra goes down and nails the sweep between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary. New Zealand 13 runs away from the win now!

A googly now, full and on middle, turns in, Rachin Ravindra uses his feet to work it away but misses to get hit on the pads.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra strides out and blocks it out.

Short and around off, Will Young punches it through covers for one.

Short and on middle, Will Young nudges it towards mid-wicket for a single.

DROPPED! You don't see this often, but a tough chance! Quicker, full and on middle, Will Young backs away and drills it aerially down the pitch. Ravindra Jadeja on his follow-through gets low but fails to hold on to it.  A rare sight to see Jadeja drop a catch!

Uppish but safe! Flighted, full and around off, Rachin Ravindra goes inside out to loft it over covers but slices it. It lands in front of extra covers where Ravichandran Ashwin dives to his right to make a fine stop. Just one!

Tossed up, full and on middle, Will Young gets beaten by the flight as he goes to slog it away. The ball takes the inside edge and rolls towards square leg for a run.

Floated, full and around off, Rachin Ravindra goes down and drags his sweep towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Flatter, short and just outside off, Rachin Ravindra looks to cut it away but gets beaten on the extra bounce.

Quicker and fuller, on off, Will Young opens the bat face and glides it to the right of slip. New Zealand just need 22 more runs to win!

Full and on leg, Rachin Ravindra hangs back and times his shot to perfection to deep mid-wicket for three more runs. This also brings up the 50-run partnership between these two! A match winning partnership for sure!

FOUR! Second boundary off the over and Rachin Ravindra seems to be in a hurry to wrap things up! Full, on middle and leg, Rachin shimmies down the track again and flicks it off his pads to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Short and on leg, Rachin Ravindra hangs back and knocks it down to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Beautiful shot! Pitched up, on middle again, Rachin Ravindra skips down to the pitch of the ball and creams it through cover for a boundary.

Flights it full, on middle, Rachin Ravindra drives it neatly back to the bowler who half stops it getting low on his follow-through.

Tossed up, on off, Will Young drives it to the left of the bowler who moves across quickly and mops it up.

Slight halt! Will Young got hit on the neck and the physio is in to check on him. A lot of redness on the left side of his neck and he is going through the concussion check. We are ready to resume again.

This track has all of a sudden started to spit venom! Pitched up, on middle, the ball shoots off the deck and hits Young on the neck as he tries to sweep it across. The physio has to walk out to have a check!

Full, on middle and off, Rachin Ravindra sweeps it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Tossed up, on off, Rachin Ravindra steers it to backward point.

Full, outside off, Rachin Ravindra prods out and blocks.

Oh dear! What was that ball? That would have shocked the batter! Ravindra Jadeja bowls it full on one of the roughs, outside off and generates an immense turn that comes back in with a great bounce almost knocking the head off Rachin. He sways away and lets it go through.

SIX! BANG! Gets hold of it and sends it sailing over the fence! New Zealand just 34 runs away now! This is floated full, on middle and leg, Will Young takes a step out and gets to the pitch of the ball, hits it across with ease and gets it over mid-wicket for a biggie.

Full, on middle, Will Young blocks it out.

Fires it in, quicker and flatter, on leg, Rachin Ravindra shimmies down the track and taps it in front of long on for a single.

Flighted full, on off, Will Young skips down the track and lofts it off the cue end to long on for a single.

Fuller and turning back into the batter, on leg, Will Young goes deep in the crease and tucks it down to short fine.

Starts from over the wicket and lands it very full, on middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra knocks it down to long on for a single.

Spin from both ends but still no signs of Ravichandran Ashwin. It will be Kuldeep Yadav to share the attack.

A play and a miss! Good over this from Ravindra Jadeja! Just a run off it. This is short and outside off, Will Young tries to cut but misses.

Pitched up, on off, Will Young pats it to the off side.

Pitched right in one of the rough, outside off and the ball turns in with some extra bounce. Will Young looks to sway away but the ball wears him on the glove.

Tossed up, on off, Will Young pushes it back to the bowler of the inner half of the bat.

Full and on middle and leg, Will Young makes a solid block down the deck.

Fuller and outside off, Rachin Ravindra hangs back and cuts it to deep point for a single.

Hard length and on off again, Will Young pats it out to short covers.

Short of a length and on off, Will Young stays back and keeps it out to the off side.

Good effort! Full again and on middle, Rachin Ravindra flicks it with good timing wide of short mid-wicket. KL Rahul dives to his left and makes a fine half-stop. He saves three for the time as the batters take one.

Touch fuller and around off, Rachin Ravindra looks for the drive on the up but only manages to stab it to short covers.

Length again, on middle, Rachin Ravindra pushes it to short covers.

Good length and on middle, angling in, Rachin Ravindra stays back and guides it towards point.

Mohammed Siraj (6-3-15-0) comes back into the attack.

A bit quicker, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra looks to work it away but gets a leading edge along the ground through point for one. 9 runs again from Jadeja's over!

Slows it up, full and on off, Rachin Ravindra defends it on the front foot

FOUR! Put away! Ravindra Jadeja drags his length back and outside off. Rachin Ravindra gets the chance to free his arms, rocks back and crunches it wide of deep point for a boundary.

Flighted, full and around middle, Rachin Ravindra strides out and blocks it out.

Swing and a miss! Tossed up, full and on off, turns in again, Rachin Ravindra goes down for a big slog sweep but fails to connect.

FOUR BYES! That beats everyone! Floated, full and around off, lands in the rough, turns in sharply and does not get up at all. Rachin Ravindra steps across to play at it but misses and the ball goes under Dhruv Jurel's legs for a boundary. Crucial runs for the Kiwis!

BEATEN! Goes a bit fuller this time and in that channel outside off, holds its line as well. Will Young prods forward to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Short of a length and just outside off, Will Young leaves it alone.

Good length and on middle, takes pace off, gets some extra bounce as well while angling in. Rachin Ravindra goes through his flick early and misses as the ball goes off his thigh pads towards deep square leg. They cross. The umpire signals nothing so Ravindra will get that run into his account.

Back of a length and around middle, Rachin Ravindra pats it down towards covers.

Hits the length hard and on middle, gets it to nip away a bit after hitting the deck. Rachin Ravindra looks to play at it but gets squared up as the ball goes off his thigh pad towards slip cordon.

On a length and on middle, Rachin Ravindra steers it away towards point.

Fires one in, full and on middle, Will Young turns it to the leg side. 9 runs off the over!

Quicker and fuller, on middle, Will Young lunges out and looks to block but the ball bounces a bit to much to catch the shoulder of the bat and rolls back to the leg side.

FOUR! TWO IN TWO! 50 UP FOR THE KIWIS! Ravindra Jadeja drags his length back and outside off, Will Young rocks back quickly and cuts it away through point for another boundary. New Zealand needs 55 runs to win now!

FOUR! Gets it away now! Floated, full and around middle, Will Young goes down to sweep it away but gets a top edge. The ball runs away to the vacant fine leg fence for a boundary.

Quicker, full and on leg, Will Young looks to flick it but misses to get hit on the pads.

Tossed up, full and on off, Will Young prods out to block it away.

Oh..close! Nevermind it is a No Ball for overstepping! Flatter, short and around off, skids through, Will Young moves back to cut it away but misses.

Ravindra Jadeja is introduced into the attack.

FOUR! Lovely shot! This is exactly what the Kiwis need, positive intent! Fuller in length again and on middle, angles in. Rachin Ravindra uses his wrists this time and flicks it away through mid-wicket for another boundary. 12 runs and the wicket of Devon Conway from the over!

Back of a length and on middle, Rachin Ravindra stays back and blocks it on the pitch.

FOUR! Fine start from the centurion in the first innings! Jasprit Bumrah serves this full and just around off. Rachin Ravindra takes his front foot closer to the ball, opens the face of his bat and guides it away nicely through point for a boundary.

Drinks! Just as the Kiwis began to silence the crowd and ease the pressure with a flurry of boundaries, Bumrah strikes, and it’s the big fish, Devon Conway! The breakthrough has reignited the energy in the stadium, and the pressure shifts right back onto New Zealand. While the visitors have managed the chase well so far, they’ll need to survive a few more overs to regain control. India, on the other hand, will be sniffing an opportunity - they need wickets, and they need them fast to swing the momentum firmly in their favour. This game is perfectly poised and we are in for another hour of exciting cricket! With that said, the centurion from the first inning, Rachin Ravindra is the new batter to walk out for New Zealand!

OUT! LBW! Excellent review from India! Jasprit Bumrah gets his second and provides another crucial breakthrough. He comes around the wicket, lands this on a good length, on middle, angles in and then holds its line, keeps a bit low. Devon Conway gets squared up trying to play at it and the ball thumps the back pad. There is a huge shout for LBW, but turned down. Rohit Sharma after having a chat with his players takes the review here. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and Ball Tracking comes up with three reds. Conway goes back for 17 off 39. New Zealand still needs 72 runs to win with 8 wickets in hand!

FOUR! A flurry of boundaries for the Kiwis in the last couple of overs! Jasprit Bumrah goes fuller and on middle, angling in. Devon Conway closes the face of the bat and flicks it away nicely through mid-wicket for four runs.

Back of a length and around off, Devon Conway dabs it down to point.

Just outside off, on a length, Will Young is happy to leave it alone. New Zealand 76 more runs to win.

FOUR! That's a poor ball and is rightly treated by Young! Mohammed Siraj digs it in short, on middle, this sits up perfectly for Will Young to free his arms and he pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Great effort again. This time it is Kuldeep Yadav! Mohammed Siraj goes full and on middle and leg, Will Young waits and flicks it to the left of mid-wicket where Kuldeep Yadav dives and makes a solid stop.

Good length, just outside off, Will Young leans ahead and pats it to backward point.

FOUR! Perfectly timed! Beautiful to watch! On a length, outside off, Will Young waits for the ball to get to him and just opens the bat face to push it through backward point for a boundary.

On a length, on middle and off, Devon Conway clips it to the left of mid on where Ashwin dives and makes a stop keeping it down to just a single.

Change? No, India going with the pacers at the moment. There are a few dark clouds over the ground and that might be a factor in continuing with Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah.

That's the best of deliveries seen today! Great effort from Dhruv Jurel behind the stumps! Jasprit Bumrah angles this into the batter, on a short of a good length and gets the ball to nip away off the surface beating the outside edge. Dhruv Jurel initially moves to his left to follow the line but does exceptionally well to move back to his right and dives to make the stop.

Strighter and fuller, on middle, Will Young shows the full face of the bat and pushes it back to the bowler.

And again! On a good length, just outside off, this keeps low off the surface and goes past the outside edge.

Beaten! Jasprit Bumrah is missing the outside edges by not more than a whisker! Hurls this on a length and on off with some extra bounce and shape that takes the ball away a bit. Will Young tries to play at it with a straight bat but the ball zips past the outside edge.

On a good length, on middle and off, Devon Conway tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Ouch! That's a beauty from Bumrah! On a back of a length and on off, gets the ball to nip back in sharply almost cutting Conway in halves. He gets an inside edge back onto his body.

Serves it fuller than a good length, on off, Will Young with very soft hands just pats it to point. Another maiden from Siraj and New Zealand need 86 more runs to win.

Angles this back into the batter, on off, Will Young stabs it down the deck right under his eyeline.

On a length, outside off, Will Young shoulders arms.

Bends his back and hits the deck hard, on off and gets the ball to shape back in a long way, Will Young holds his bat high, watches the ball till the very end and opts to leave it go past.

Another length ball, on off, Will Young drops his bat at it and blocks it to gully.

On a good length, on middle and leg, Will Young tucks it across to square leg.

FOUR! Fortuitous boundary for Conway! Bumrah bangs it on a hard length, on off, angling away and straightening a bit while the ball keeps low. Devon Conway is squared up and he hops back but keeps his bat low. The ball catches a thick outside edge and goes past gully for a boundary.

Angling away, outside off, Devon Conway leaves it alone.

Another peach of a delivery! Bangs it on a hard length on middle and off and gets the ball to straighten with some extra zip off the surface. Devon Conway looks to keep it out but the ball goes past the outside edge again.

Follows back with a good delivery does Bumrah! Drags the length back and angles it away on middle and off, gets the ball to jag back in, Devon Conway hops back and looks to defend but misses.

FOUR! Two boundaries in quick succession and that silents the crowd and eases some nerves for the Kiwis! Jasprit Bumrah overpitches this on off, Devon Conway leans on and drives it past mid off for a boundary.

Comes from over the wicket and angles it away, on a good length, outside off, Devon Conway tries to force a push at it through covers but misses by not much on the outside edge.

FOUR! First boundary of the chase! Not the ideal line with a silly mid off in place. Siraj errs and angles it into the pads, on a length, Will Young just tickles it on its way to the right of deep fine leg for a boundary. New Zealand need 94 runs to win now!

On off, on a good length, Will Young offers a solid block.

Gets the line closer to the off-stump and the ball straightens just a touch. Will Young leans ahead and looks to block but gets an outside edge that goes to gully.

Bowls this on a length, outside off with some movement off the deck that takes the ball further away, Will Young sees the line and opts to let this one go through.

Bashes hard into the deck and angles it into the right-hander, on middle and leg, Will Young stays deep in the crease and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Goes full and just outside off, Will Young with deft hands just blocks it straight down the deck.

Comes from around the wicket and hits the hard length, on off, Devon Conway stabs it down the deck. Just a single off that over and New Zealand need 98 more runs to win!

Angles it away, outside off, Devon Conway looks to reach for it away from his body with no foot movement and gets beaten on the outside edge. Virat Kohli is getting the crowd involved now!

Continues from over the wicket and goes full, on off, Devon Conway confidently leans on and pushes it to mid off.

The helmet is coming out now. Sarfaraz Khan has been placed at short leg.

Ouch! Cramps the batter for any room and attacks the ribs, on a back of a length, Devon Conway looks to tuck it down but gets rapped on the glove.

Angles it away, on a back of a length with some extra bounce off the deck, Devon Conway rides the bounce and fends it out to gully off the shoulder of the bat.

Lands it fuller and on middle, Will Young just taps it to mid on and sneaks in a quick single.

Another maiden for Mohammed Siraj! Good length and on off, shapes away, Devon Conway leaves it alone.

Back of a length and on middle, Devon Conway stays back and pats it down to the leg side with his bottom hand coming off the bat again.

Overpitched and on middle, Devon Conway connects with the drive but does not get any timing as the ball goes towards covers.

Keeps low! Pitched up and around off, angles away again. Devon Conway looks to drive it away but misses as the ball does not bounce that much and almost rolls to the keeper.

Play and a miss! Full again and just outside off, angles away, Devon Conway hangs his bat away to push at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. Loose shot!

Fuller in length and on middle and off, Devon Conway strides out and blocks it out.

Great effort in the deep! Fuller one and angling into the pads, Will Young glances it nicely wide of fine leg. Mohammed Siraj runs to his right and puts in an excellent dive to make a stop. He keeps it down to two runs and this will lift up the spirits of the hosts. New Zealand needs 99 runs to win now!

Fuller and on off, Devon Conway taps it in front of covers and takes on Ravindra Jadeja for a quick run. The throw hits Young and defeats away towards fine leg but the Kiwis decides against the overthrow.

Ouch! Jasprit Bumrah hits the hard length, on middle, shoots up and nips away viciously. Devon Conway tries to take evasive action but the ball hits the glove and luckily for him falls safely on the off side.

Back of a length but way down the leg side, Devon Conway makes an easy leave.

Goes fuller and on middle and leg, jags back in, Devon Conway tries to play with a straight bat but misses to get hit on the pads. Bumrah is making the ball move both ways here!

On a length and on middle, Will Young nudges it towards square leg for a single.

Good leave! Mohammed Siraj pulls his length back a bit, on the fifth stump line, this one nips back in a lot. Devon Conway leaves it on length as the ball just goes over the off pole.

BEATEN! Mohammed Siraj goes full again and just outside off, angles away, Devon Conway has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Pitched up and around off, Devon Conway drives it off the bottom half of the bat back to the bowler. Runs are not coming easy for the Kiwis here!

Goes fuller and on middle, shapes in, Devon Conway misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.

JAFFA! Mohammed Siraj hits the hard length around middle, this one hits a crack, angles in and then goes the other way. Devon Conway is stuck in his crease and gets squared up as the ball zips past the outside edge.

Devon Conway gets off the mark now! Fuller and on the pads, Devon Conway clips it away towards deep square leg where Jasprit Bumrah cuts it off. Two runs taken.

Pulls his length back a bit around off, Will Young lifts his bat and lets it go to the keeper.

Overpitched and on middle, shaping in, Will Young drills it back to the bowler.

Hits the length hard again, on off, gets it to shape back in again. Will Young looks to defend but gets an inside edge towards the leg side.

Good length and on the sixth stump line, jags back in a long way, Will Young steers it towards gully where the fielder makes a good stop.

New Zealand are underway now! Fuller and on middle, drifting into the pads, Will Young flicks it wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

BEATEN! Jasprit Bumrah bowls this full and on off, angles in and then straightens a bit. Will Young plays inside the line of it as the ball zips past the outside edge.

MAIDEN OVER! Good length and on middle, Devon Conway gets behind the line of it and fends it away. 2 overs done, the Kiwis yet to get underway in this chase!

Full again and on off, Devon Conway prods out and blocks it out.

Fuller and on leg, Devon Conway fails to work it away as the ball goes off his pads wide of the keeper. Conway wants the run but is sent back.

On a length and around off, Devon Conway dabs it down to point.

Another huge shout for LBW, but turned down! Mohammed Siraj pitches it up around leg, shaping in sharply. Devon Conway looks to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. Sarfaraz Khan from mid-wicket runs in front of the umpire and pleads but this one is pitched outside leg.

Steams in from over the wicket and bangs it into the deck on a back of a length on middle and leg and shaping down leg, Devon Conway leaves it alone.

Will Young walks out to bat at number 3 for New Zealand! It will be Mohammed Siraj to share the new ball from the other end!

OUT! LBW! BUMRAH STRIKES! A perfect start for India and this is exactly what they needed. Jasprit Bumrah serves this full again and around middle, gets it to nip back in sharply. Tom Latham looks to block it but plays down the wrong line and gets beaten by the inward movement to get hit on the pads. There is a massive appeal and up goes the finger. It looks plumb unless there is some bat involved. Latham takes a review here. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking comes up with three reds. Latham goes back for a duck and the Kiwis are rocked early! Jasprit Bumrah finishes with a wicket maiden!

Oh..beauty! Everyone including the crowd is up in appeal, but the umpire stays unmoved! Jasprit Bumrah from 'over the wicket starts with a full delivery, on off, angling away. Tom Latham looks to push at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. India decides against the review!

Right then, we’re finally set for the action to take over on this decisive final day! The revised first session will run until 7 am GMT, which could be enough to reveal the direction this game will take. The umpires have made their way out to the middle, and the Indian players are greeted with a thunderous roar from the passionate Chinnaswamy crowd as they burst open after the final pep talk from skipper, Rohit Sharma in a huddle! Opening the chase for New Zealand are Tom Latham and Devon Conway, both determined to gun down the 107-run target. Jasprit Bumrah is ready at the top of his mark and will continue from where he left off. Away we go!

Glenn Phillips is up for a quick chat. He says that he tries to be involved in all aspects of the game especially in Test cricket because as a batter you can only contribute in one department. Adds that he works and trains on his speed but has the genetics as well. Mentions that the second new ball was crucial for them and they knew a couple of early breakthroughs with it would get them back in the game. Says India batted brilliantly to put them under the pump, but credits their pacers for the come back and putting them in a crucial position.

PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull is alongside Murali Kartik in the middle for the pitch analysis. Simon says this has been a magnificent Test match thus far and the surface has played its role throughout the course of 4 days. Kartik adds that India just have 107 runs to play with and they will need the pitch to favour them. Says that the cracks have widened and opened up which will excite the Indian bowlers. Mentions that with two left-handers up top, the pacers will want to hit those cracks and hit them hard to create doubts in the batter's mind.

UPDATE - 4.17 am GMT - The inspection is underway now! The umpires are having a look at the outfield and weather looks much brighter now. The Kiwis batters are also out taking a glance at the pitch which is being rolled on now. WE HAVE A START TIME! DAY 5 WILL START AT 4.45 AM GMT!

UPDATE - 4.04 am GMT - The sky has cleared up in Bengaluru for now and the sun is trying to peep through as well. The Indian players are out in the field for the warm-ups and things are looking good. Also, with the brilliant drainage system here, it should not take long for us to get going after the inspection.

UPDATE - 3.48 am GMT - Well, we should have been underway on Day 5, but the outfield has taken a lot of rain overnight and is still not ready yet. The positive thing is that there is a lot of blues in the sky and the umpires are out in the middle having a chat with the ground staff. Now, the covers are being taken off and there will be an inspection at 4.15 am GMT.

The visuals from the ground show the covers still in place, although there’s no rain at the moment. The skies remain heavily overcast, keeping everyone on edge! Saba Karim, reporting from the venue, confirms that it hasn’t rained for the past few hours, and the ground staff are cautiously optimistic, hoping the forecasted showers stay away long enough to remove the covers. However, the outlook post 6 am GMT appears bleak, with a high chance of rain! Stay tuned as we keep you updated on the latest developments!

With possible showers forecast, New Zealand will hope for enough time to chase down the target, while India will look to replicate their famous 2004 Wankhede win, where they defended a similar total against Australia. All three results are still possible, setting up an exciting final day. Stay tuned for the action

New Zealand might have been worried when India surged ahead with just three wickets down, but their pacers delivered a tireless, spirited performance. The second new ball turned the tide, as New Zealand ripped through India's lineup, taking 7 wickets for just 62 runs after India reached 400/3. Matt Henry and William O'Rourke shared six wickets equally, with Tim Southee kickstarting the collapse by dismissing Sarfaraz Khan. Needing 107 to win, New Zealand faced only four balls before bad light and rain forced early Stumps on Day 4. The Kiwis were perhaps relieved, as the ball was moving significantly, making batting tough in the fading light.

India seemed in complete control with Pant and Sarfaraz leading the charge, swiftly erasing the deficit. Sarfaraz notched up a brilliant maiden Test hundred, while Pant’s aggressive knock put the hosts on top. Their 177-run partnership had India cruising at 408/3, poised for a 200-run lead. But as cricket often surprises, the game flipped when the second new ball was taken. Sarfaraz fell after a well-earned 150, and Pant was dismissed just one run shy of his century. The rest of the batting crumbled quickly, with India bowled out for a lead of just 106, undoing their earlier efforts.

Who would have imagined that we’d reach the final day of this Test with all three outcomes still very much in play? The weather has played its part, as anticipated, with rain interruptions in Bengaluru, but despite that, we've witnessed some outstanding performances from both sides, making this a truly memorable contest. A very warm welcome to all of you for Day 5 of this thrilling 1st Test, where New Zealand holds the advantage, but India remains hopeful of pulling off something remarkable.

... DAY 5, SESSION 1 ...

The collapse, triggered by the departure of Sarfaraz, saw India plummet from a strong position of 408/3 to 462 all out, losing 7 wickets for just 54 runs. When Sarfaraz and Pant were cruising, India had a genuine opportunity to pile the misery on New Zealand and seize control of the game. However, the Kiwis cranked up the pressure with the second new ball and never let India off the hook. This wraps up an enthralling day of Test cricket, where the pendulum swung back and forth. The Kiwis now find themselves in the driver's seat heading into Day 5. Chasing 107 runs will not be easy, though, and if the overcast conditions persist in the morning, it will be tough with India coming hard at them with the new ball. We will be nice and early for all the action on Day 5 with the first ball to be bowled at 3.45 am GMT. See you then. Cheers!

Just as India began to gain momentum, the heavens opened, giving the tourists a chance to reassess their plans. Pant came out aggressively after the break, launching an assault that left Tom Latham and Co. eagerly awaiting the second new ball. When they finally got it, they needed to make it count and they certainly did. Tim Southee struck first for New Zealand by dismissing Sarfaraz, and then it was William O'Rourke who took over. Utilizing his height effectively, he dismantled the lower order, turning the tide firmly in New Zealand's favour.

Earlier in the day, Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant provided a dream start for the hosts. Sarfaraz showcased an exhibition of deft dabs, skillfully exploring the area behind the wicket to collect a flurry of boundaries on the way to his maiden Test ton. He was well complemented by Rishabh Pant, who gradually found his rhythm and settled into a groove. New Zealand struggled to make an impact during the first session, and matters worsened when they squandered a crucial run-out opportunity with Pant on just 6 runs.

It's official! STUMPS have been called on DAY 4, marking an abrupt end to the day's play. India will certainly be disappointed with how the latter half of the day unfolded. In contrast, New Zealand have been rewarded for their patience with the second new ball turning the tide in their favour and shifting the momentum back to them. Just look at the impact - before taking the second new ball, India had scored 400 runs for the loss of just three wickets. However, after its introduction, the hosts could only manage 62 runs at the loss of 7 wickets.

UPDATE - 11.28 am GMT - The covers are being brought on now as both sets of players wait in their respective dressing rooms. Additional covers are being placed over the ground, more as a precautionary measure, and it seems increasingly likely that we could be done for the day. The conditions don’t look promising with the dark clouds still hovering, and the possibility of resumption is fading fast. The conditions have taken a sharp turn for the worse, and just as we feared, the rain has started to come down heavily. Harsha Bhogle on air describes it as a 'storm of some proportions'.

Halt! The light meter is out as the umpires assess the fading light. Harsha Bhogle mentions on air that a massive cloud has moved over the stadium, and it's causing concern. The umpires deem that the light is not fit enough for the play to continue. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli appear visibly displeased with the decision, expressing their frustration as they remain on the field, while the two New Zealand openers have already made their way back to the dressing room. The ground staff are on standby with the covers, and here they come. Though there's no rain at the moment, the skies appear threatening, and it feels like rain could start at any moment.

Shaping in, on middle, going down leg with the movement, Tom Latham misses his tickle and Dhruv Jurel yet again does very well to dive to his right and make the stop.

A huge appeal for LBW but the umpire turns it down! Jasprit Bumrah is very confident and convinces Rohit Sharma to send it upstairs! After two outswingers, Bumrah gets the ball to come back in, on a good length, on middle, Tom Latham is very late to get his bat down and misses on the inside edge to be rapped right in front of the pad. The UltraEdge shows no spike but the Ball Tracking shows the ball to be pitching down leg. The onfield call of Not Out stays and India lose one review early in the very first over!

Gets the line closer to the off-stump and shapes it away, outside off, Tom Latham sees the line and decides to let this go through.

Starts from over the wicket and hurls it on a length, outside off shaping away further. Dhruv Jurel behind the stumps, does well to dive to his left and grab the ball.

OUT! TAKEN! Two in the over for Henry to wrap up the Indian innings! From 408/3, India have been bowled out for 462. Coming to the delivery, this was on a back of a length, on off. Siraj hangs back and shapes up to flat bat this one down the ground. Gets the power behind the shot but fails to get the elevation behind it. Hits it flat and straight to mid on where Tim Southee takes a good sharp catch around his face and tumbles over after completing the catch. A job well done by New Zealand and they now need 107 runs to go 1-0 up in the series.

On a back of a length, on off, Siraj is beaten on the outside edge as he plays inside the line of the ball.

Mohammed Siraj is the last man to walk out to bat for India!

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Wickets off successive overs for Henry! New Zealand inch closer to bowling India out here. Henry lands it on a length, around off. Bumrah shuffles across to cover the line of the ball and presents a straight bat to defend. The ball comes back in off the deck. The movement is enough to catch the outside edge and the keeper, Tom Blundell does the rest to his right. Bumrah goes for a duck. India are now 462/9, leading by 106 runs.

O'Rourke serves a sharp bumper, at the batter from around the wicket, Kuldeep Yadav takes his eyes off the ball and ducks to let the ball go through.

Full and wide on off, Kuldeep Yadav leans on it and drives it through covers. The ball does not have enough legs to reach the fence. Rachin Ravindra gives it a chase and cuts it off. Another brace.

A tight line by O'Rourke, on a hard length, over off and middle, Kuldeep Yadav makes room to access the off side this time. The ball lands and nips away to go past the outside edge.

Dug in short by O'Rourke, on off. Kuldeep Yadav stands tall and takes the short ball on. Pulls it aerially but the ball plugs in the outfield in the deep mid-wicket region. Two runs taken.

Fuller and on off, Kuldeep stays in the crease and blocks it out.

On a short of a length, on middle and leg, Kuldeep keeps it out on the leg side.

Beaten! This nips away off the deck, on off, on a length, Bumrah looks to cover the line of the ball and gets beaten on the outside edge as the ball moves away.

Keeps it on a length, on off, Bumrah defends it back to the bowler.

On a length, on off, Bumrah stabs it down the deck right under his eyes.

Jasprit Bumrah is the new man in.

OUT! LBW! A loud shout and up goes the finger! This looks dead straight but Ashwin has taken the review. Height is the only factor that could save Ashwin here. This nips back in from Henry, on a nagging length and stays low as well. On middle, Ashwin looks to play this one off the back foot but gets beaten on the inside edge and gets trapped right in the front of the stumps. Wears it on the flap of the front pad. There is no bat involved and the Ball Tracking shows the ball to be clipping the leg stump and it is umpire's call. India have now lost their last 5 wickets for 50 runs. They are now effectively 102/8.

On a back of a length, going down leg, Ashwin misses as he looks to help it away. The ball comes off his thigh pad and it goes to the left of the keeper.

On a nagging length, on the pads, Kuldeep Yadav looks to tickle it fine but misses. The ball comes off the thigh pad and rolls behind on the leg side for a single. GIven as a run by the umpire so Kuldeep might have gotten some bat on it.

On a good length, on off, Kuldeep Yadav stays leg side of the ball and plays it right under his eyes. Steers it wide of point for a single.

The lead is now 100 for India! O'Rourke delivers it on a length, around off, Ravichandran Ashwin waits on it and opens the bat face to guide it wide of backward point for a single.

A rare loose delivery from O'Rourke, low full toss, on middle, Ravichandran Ashwin flicks it through the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.

Play and a miss! Short and wide on off, there to be put away, Ravichandran Ashwin flays at the delivery but the ball climbs onto him and goes over his bat.

O'Rourke digs it in short from over the wicket, on off. Ravichandran Ashwin drops his wrists and sways away to let the ball go.

Hurls it on a length, on off, Ashwin eases the drive with a straight bat to mid off.

Risky leave! Henry goes wide of the crease and angles it back in, around the off stump, Kuldeep Yadav opts not to cover the off stump and shoulders arms. The ball was not that far away from the off pole.

At 134 kph, fuller and closer to the off-stump line, Kuldeep Yadav makes a watchful leave.

This nips back in and Henry gets a bit of extra bounce on this one. On a back of a length, on middle, Kuldeep Yadav gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the waist.

Henry sprays it down leg, on a short of a good length, Kuldeep misses the tickle.

In and around the off-stump line, on a nagging length, Kuldeep Yadav does well not to follow the line of the ball. Plays inside the line of the ball and sees the ball go past his bat.

At 127.8 kph, slanting in, on a length, on middle, Kuldeep Yadav lunges and defends it down the deck.

O'Rourke goes searching for the yorker but slips it down leg. A productive over for India. 9 runs off it. They currently lead by 97 runs.

FOUR! Ashwin gets the result this time! O'Rourke serves it on a length, on off, Ravichandran Ashwin picks up the line and length early. Holds his shape and swings through the line. Lofts it back over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Angling into the right-hander, on a short of a good length, on middle, Ashwin uses the angle and swats it up and over mid-wicket. The ball plugs in the outfield and the batters collect two.

WIDE! O'Rourke digs it in short but this is too high. It sails over the batter's head. The keeper, Tom Blundell does well to leap to his left and catches it with his right hand.

On a shortish length, on off. O'Rourke gets a good lift off the deck. Ashwin rises with the bounce and stabs it down on the off side.

Hard length, around off, Ashwin gets on his toes and jabs it to the left of mid off for a couple of runs. India lead by 90!

On a length, on off, pushed to cover from the crease by Ashwin.

Henry goes wide of the crease on the around-the-wicket angle and hurls it in the corridor of uncertainty on off, on a length, Kuldeep Yadav thinks about playing at but then decides to tuck his bat inside the line of the ball. It is too late by then but luckily for him, the ball does not catch the outside edge.

Angling in, on the off-stump line, on a length, Kuldeep Yadav blocks it out off the front foot.

Play and a miss! A touch fuller from around the wicket by Henry, on off, Kuldeep Yadav is lured into the drive away from his body. The ball moves away enough to go past the outside edge.

An optimistic shout for LBW but that was comfortably heading down leg. Drifting on the pads, on a length, Ravichandran Ashwin fails to flick it away. A leg bye is taken as the ball rolls behind on the leg side.

Pitched up by Henry, on off, Ravichandran Ashwin swings through the line and lofts it back over the bowler's head. The ball though does not have enough legs to reach the fence as the mid off fielder cuts it off. Two runs taken.

Serves it on a length, on off, Ravichandran Ashwin defends it right under his eyes.

Half a shout for LBW but that looked to be high! Jagging back in, on a nagging length, over middle. Kuldeep Yadav stays on the back foot to keep it out. Gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it high on the thigh. Three wicket maiden overs in a row from O'Rourke. Superb stuff.

Not close enough to make the batter play, on a good length, left alone by Kuldeep.

From around the wicket, O'Rourke spears a full-length delivery right at the stumps, Kuldeep Yadav gets his bat low and jams it out.

Kuldeep Yadav walks out to bat at number 9 for India!

OUT! CAUGHT! William O'Rourke continues to dent India! The Bengaluru crowd has been silenced. O'Rourke stays around the wicket and goes into the wicket, on off. Ravindra Jadeja tries to take on the short ball as he swivels for the pull. Gets it right from the toe end of the bat and it goes only as far as short square leg where Will Young takes it near his chest. From 408/3, India have slipped to 441/7, losing 4 wickets for 33 runs. They currently lead by 85 runs.

Closer to the off-stump line, on a short of a good length, Ravindra Jadeja hops and plays it back to the bowler.

From around the wicket for the left-hander, on a nagging length, outside off, Ravindra Jadeja makes a watchful leave.

Hurls it on off, on a short of a good length, Ashwin gets right behind the line of the ball and pats it down on the off side.

At 133.1 kph, on a length, just outside off, Ravichandran Ashwin keeps his bat close to the front pad and defends.

Aerial but in the gap! Angling in at the pads, on a length, Ravichandran Ashwin flicks it uppishly but in the gap between mid-wicket and mid on for a couple of runs. Ashwin is off the pair!

This seams away off the deck, on a hard length, on off, Ravichandran Ashwin gets on top of the bounce and makes a late adjustment to dab it down in front of point.

The length is pulled back now but the line is a bit too straight, on the pads, Jadeja tucks it to deep backward square leg and gets to the other end.

Very full from Henry, on middle, Ravindra Jadeja jams it out down on the leg side.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Matt Henry!

Who will bowl from the other end?

Uppish but safe! Fuller in length, on off, Ravichandran Ashwin gets on the front foot and shapes up to go over the top. Miscues the shot off the inner half of the bat and it lands well wide of mid on.

On a hard length, over off, Ravichandran Ashwin lets the ball come to him and steers it on the bounce to gully.

O'Rourke digs it in short, on off and middle. Ravichandran Ashwin ducks and lets it go.

At 139.2 kph, steaming in from over the wicket, on a length, on the pads, Ravichandran Ashwin works it off his pads to square leg.

Welcome back for the third and final session of the day. The two umpires and players have made their way out to the middle. Ravindra Jadeja is joined by Ravichandran Ashwin out in the centre. William O'Rourke is at the top of his mark and he is raring to go. Let's play...

... DAY 4, SESSION 3 ...

India will now have to rebuild with two new batters at the crease, while New Zealand will be eager to capitalize on the breakthroughs and aim to restrict India to as low a total as possible. With momentum shifting again, the upcoming session promises to be another thrilling one. Stay tuned and join us in about 20 minutes as the action resumes!

However, just when things seemed to be going India’s way, the introduction of the second new ball changed the complexion of the game. New Zealand grabbed the opportunity, and suddenly, the well-set pair found life much harder at the crease. Shortly after reaching his magnificent 150, Sarfaraz Khan mistimed a shot, offering New Zealand a much-needed breakthrough and ending the 177-run partnership. Rishabh Pant, however, continued his aggressive flow, showing no signs of slowing down, and was ably supported by KL Rahul, who looked comfortable at the crease. But just when it seemed like India would head into Tea unscathed, the decision to bring back William O'Rourke paid off in spectacular fashion. O’Rourke dismissed Pant, agonizingly short of his century at 99, delivering a massive blow to India’s plans. To make things worse for the hosts, KL Rahul fell moments later, right before the Tea break, handing New Zealand a crucial edge heading into the final session.

India carried their momentum from the first session seamlessly, despite the rain-induced break before Lunch. The crucial fourth-wicket partnership between Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan not only rescued India from overnight trouble but also propelled them into a commanding position to push for a favourable result. After the restart, both batters capitalized on the old ball, which offered little assistance, and took full advantage of defensive field placements by the Kiwis to keep the scoreboard ticking at a brisk pace. Pant, in particular, found boundaries with ease, piling on the pressure and eroding the deficit quickly while smoothly building a lead. Their aggressive intent after Lunch had shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favour, leaving New Zealand searching for answers.

New Zealand have torn through the middle order at just the right moment with the second new ball, and those three crucial wickets have tilted this session firmly in their favour! The once-drooping Kiwi shoulders are now upright, and their energy on the field in the last 40 minutes reflects a team back in the hunt. There’s a noticeable spring in their step, and the momentum has clearly shifted in their favour heading into the final session of Day 4.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! This is turning out to be an inspired spell from William O'Rourke. First Pant and now Rahul. India lose their 6th wicket and they are now effectively 82/6. O'Rourke goes wide of the crease and gets the ball to slant back into the right-hander, on a back of a length. KL Rahul is rooted to the crease and the previous delivery seemed to have unsettled him. He is unsure whether to leave or play this one. Is late in making the decision and leaves his bat out hanging. The ball catches the outside edge and the keeper, Tom Blundell snaffles it to his right near his waist. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 4!

O'Rourke bangs it into the wicket, on off. It climbs onto the batter. KL Rahul gets on his toes to keep it out. The ball rises and raps him on the glove.

On a back of a length, on off, Ravindra Jadeja rides the bounce and taps it to point.

Attacking the front pad, on a length, Ravindra Jadeja gets right behind the line of the ball and keeps it out.

Oh, that was a risky leave! This does not leave the batter and comes back in off the deck. Jadeja thinks this will go the other way and shoulders arms. Luckily for him, the bounce comes to his rescue as he wears it high on the thigh on the off stump line.

FOUR! Henry dishes it out full, on off, Ravindra Jadeja takes a couple of steps down the track and converts it into a half-volley. Times the drive past the non-striker and picks up a boundary.

Beaten! This leaves the batter from over the wicket, full and on off, Ravindra Jadeja leans on it and fiddles at the away-going delivery. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

Quick single taken! Henry delivers it on a back of a length, on middle, KL Rahul hops and drops it with soft hands to the left of mid-wicket. Rahul sets off for the run and has to put the afterburners on to make it to the bowling end. Will Young moves to his left and gets low to pick it up. Stays low and releases an underarm throw towards the bowling end. Not the best of throws by Young and Rahul makes it. Rahul was safe even if it was a direct hit.

Banged in short by O'Rourke, on off, Ravindra Jadeja hops with the bounce and glides it down to point.

Digs it very short, angling in, on middle and leg, Ravindra Jadeja lets it go through.

Serves it full now, on off, Ravindra Jadeja dabs it down to point.

This nips away off the deck, on off, a bit of extra bounce, on a hard length, Ravindra Jadeja keeps his bat inside the line of the ball and lets it go.

On a length, on off, Ravindra Jadeja pushes it to cover.

Ravindra Jadeja walks out to bat at number 7 for India!

OUT! DRAGGED IT BACK ON! Deathly silence at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium! Heartbreak for Pant. Jubilation for New Zealand. The move to bring William O'Rourke back has done wonders for them. O'Rourke comes from around the wicket, bends his back and bashes the hard length, on off. Rishabh Pant hops and stays on the back foot to keep it out. A bit of extra bounce on this one and the ball jags back in to catch the inner half of the bat. Pant gets tucked for room and ends up dragging it off an inside edge that goes back on to hit the base of the leg stump. KL Rahul at the other end cannot quite believe it. Pant falls for 99. India are now 433/5, leading by 77 runs.

William O'Rourke (15-1-75-0) is brought back into the attack now!

Pant moves to 99! Full and on middle, Rishabh Pant brings his wrist into play and clips it in front of square on the leg side. Wants to come back for the second run but the fielder in the deep is quick to get around to his right and prevents the second run.

Sprayed on the pads, on a length, Rishabh Pant is a bit tentative on the flick. Gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the pads. Pant does not seem to be moving freely since that incident in the last over where he was denied the second run and hobbled back to the bowling end.

This is on a hard length, on off, KL Rahul gets on top of the bounce and punches it past cover for a single.

Henry drags the length back and keeps it in the channel on off, KL Rahul tucks his bat inside the line of the ball and lets it go.

FOUR! Lovely! A half-volley by Henry, on off, KL Rahul leans on it and just checks his drive. Beats the diving Tim Southee at mid on to his left for a boundary.

That could have sneaked through! On a good length, on middle, this jags back in and stays a bit low. Rishabh Pant is right across his stumps to cover the line of the ball. Ekes out an inside edge that rolls down to deep fine leg for a run.

Pitched up, zoned in, at the stumps, KL Rahul firms the drive to mid off.

Full and on the pads, KL Rahul flicks it off his pads but straight to mid-wicket.

Bowled from wide of the crease by Southee, on a length, wide on off, Rishabh Pant reaches out and drives it in front of square on the off side to the left of deep point. He wants to come back for the second but it could have been risky and therefore, Rahul sends him back. Pant limps a bit after reaching the bowling end. Pant moves to 97!

SIX! BOOM! That has gone onto the roof! Tim Southee changes his angle of attack as he comes from around the wicket and serves a scrambled seam delivery, on a length, on off. Rishabh Pant gets down on his knee and nails the slog sweep. Clears the deep square leg fence with utmost ease for a biggie. Glenn Phillips at gully is left stunned and KL Rahul at the other end has a smile on his face.

Shaping back into the batter, on a length, on middle and leg, Rishabh Pant blocks it out on the leg side.

FOUR BYES! This lands and moves down the leg side off the deck, on a length, on middle and leg, Rishabh Pant misses the tickle. It beats the diving Tom Blundell to his right for a boundary. A hand of apology straight away from Southee.

In the channel on off, on a length, KL Rahul tucks the bat inside the line of the ball and lets it go.

Length delivery, on off, KL Rahul takes a couple of steps down the track and drives it through covers. The third run was on but Pant jogged the first couple of runs and was happy with two.

FOUR! Streaky but Rahul will take it! He is off the pair. Henry bowls it on a back of a length, on off, KL Rahul gets on his toes and looks to defend it right under his eyes. He leaves the bat face slightly open and the ball runs off the face of the bat. Goes through the gap between gully and the slip cordon for a boundary.

Delivers it on a short of a good length, on middle, Rishabh Pant takes the bottom hand off the bat and turns it past square leg for a run.

Hurls it on a good length, on middle, Rishabh Pant nudges it in front of mid-wicket.

Oh, this does not rise at all! Angling across the batter, on a short of a length, on off, Rishabh Pant lets it go. It scoots and goes on a couple of bounces behind to the keeper. Seemed to have landed on one of the cracks.

On a nagging length, attacking the stumps, KL Rahul gets right behind the line of the ball and blocks it out. A wicket-maiden from Tim Southee.

Going away from the batter, on a length, left alone by Rahul.

Fuller in length, on off, KL Rahul shapes up for the cover drive but miscues it off the inner half of the bat to mid on.

Lands it full, on off, KL Rahul gets on the front foot and defends it on the off side.

Serves it on a length, on middle and leg, KL Rahul stabs it down on the leg side.

Local hero KL Rahul walks out next to a thunderous roar from the Chinnaswamy crowd!

OUT! TAKEN! Oh, the commentator's curse strikes! 150 and out for Sarfaraz Khan! Nonetheless, this has been a special knock from Sarfaraz. Shaping away from the right-hander, on off, fuller in length, Sarfaraz Khan sees the ball pitched up and goes after it. Does not move his feet and goes at it with his hands. The ball is not that full for the shot. The bat turns in his hand and he ends up spooning it straight into the hands of the man at cover. Ajaz Patel times the leap to perfection and takes it over his head. The New Zealand players pat Sarfaraz on the back for his effort. Walks off to a standing ovation. The 177-run stand is broken. Sarfaraz goes for 150 (195). India are now 408/4 leading by 52 runs.

Beaten! Angling across the batter, on a good length, Rishabh Pant pokes at the delivery away from his body but misses.

150 for Sarfaraz Khan! The Bengaluru crowd rise as one to applaud a fine knock. We have seen him rack up big hundreds in domestic cricket and he is on course to one here. Ominous signs for New Zealand. This keeps a bit low, on off, on a short of a length, Sarfaraz Khan stays low with the bounce and pats it in front of cover for a single to reach 150.

Lands it on a hard length but the line is a bit too straight, on the pads, Rishabh Pant nurdles it to deep square leg and picks up a single.

Hurrying the batter up, on a good length, on the pads, Sarfaraz Khan clips it off his pads to deep backward square leg and gets to the other end.

Angling in, on a good length, on middle, Sarfaraz Khan gets on his toes and tucks it in front of mid-wicket.

Henry bashes the hard length, around off, Sarfaraz Khan hops and dabs it down in front of gully.

Drinks break! We've had 3 overs with the second new ball and Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan, who looked comfortable for most of the day, are now struggling a bit as the hardness of the new ball has caused them some discomfort. The extra bounce and movement have left them hopping, and New Zealand will sense this as their best opportunity to make inroads and pick up a couple of quick wickets. It will be important for the two batters to exercise caution and see off this tough phase with the new ball.

Angling into the ribs, on a back of a length, Sarfaraz Khan dabs it down in front of deep square leg for a single. India now lead by 49 runs!

On a back of a length, over middle and leg, Rishabh Pant looks for a scoop but mistimes it aerially through short fine leg for a single.

Angles it away, on a fuller length, outside off, Rishabh Pant is tentative on his drive and just fiddles with it, inside the line. The ball zips past the outside edge and goes through to the keeper at a good height.

Angling into the pads, on a good length, Sarfaraz Khan takes a step across and looks to tuck it fine but misses. The ball clips him high on the thigh and rolls down to the leg side for a single. The umpire calls it a leg bye!

Fuller than a good length, outside off, Sarfaraz Khan yet again, with no foot movement reaches out and pushes it off the inner half to mid off.

Shorter and shaping away, from outside off, Sarfaraz Khan has a wild swipe at it way away from his body but misses.

On a good length, outside off, Rishabh Pant makes a leave.

Fuller this time, on off, Rishabh Pant firms his drive but straight to mid off.

Oh, that could have gone anywhere! Back of a length, over off, hurries Pant with the pace behind this one. He tries to make a block with a straight bat but the ball bounces a bit more, catches the shoulder off the bat and lobs to fall in the vacant silly point area.

Slides one down leg, on a back of a length. The ball goes further away from the keeper to his left and the batters collect a bye.

Hits the deck hard, on a length and gets some extra bounce off it, over middle, Sarfaraz Khan sticks his bat ahead and just about manages to squeeze it down the deck off the glove.

What a peach to start from Matt Henry! Bangs it on a good length with an upright seam and gets the ball to nip away off the deck beating Sarfaraz's outside edge by not more than a whisker! A nervy restart from Sarfaraz Khan against this second new ball!

It will be Matt Henry (15-1-74-0) to steam in from the other end.

Southee digs it in short and angles it in on middle and leg, Sarfaraz Khan mistimes the pull aerially but well in front of deep square leg for a single. A great over from Tim Southee, just the one run off it!

Fuller and on off, Sarfaraz Khan covers the line and taps it down the deck.

Drags the length down a bit and keeps it outside off does Southee, Sarfaraz Khan has another poke at it away from his body and misses.

A much confident leave from Sarfaraz Khan this time! Sees the line to be just outside off, on a length and trusts the bounce to let it go through.

Beauty from Southee! Angles it in, on a good length with a hint of away shape off the deck, just outside off, Sarfaraz Khan tries to play at it with a straight bat but misses on the outside edge.

Gets movement off the new cherry straight away! Charges from over the wicket and bowls it on a good length outside off with away movement taking it further away from the batter. Sarfaraz Khan has a wild swing at it to go down the ground. Luckily for him, the ball goes well past his bat. Rishabh Pant walks up to him and has a small chat!

The second new ball is now due. Surely New Zealand take it straight away? Yes, they are taking it. It will be Tim Southee (11-1-43-0) to make the first use of it.

A huge roar across the stadium as India reach 400! Their lead is now 44 runs in no time! This is full, on off, Sarfaraz Khan flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Tossed right up, on middle and off, Rishabh Pant eases it to long on for a single.

Full, on off, Sarfaraz Khan drives it to mid-wicket for a single.

Short and outside off, Rishabh Pant goes towards the line and taps it to point for a single. It's great how these two batters are finding these singles with ease which are topped with boundaries off the loose ones!

Full and just outside off, Rishabh Pant pats it back to the bowler.

Quicker, fuller and outside off, Rishabh Pant looks for a big slog sweep but misses out and tumbles over. The ball evades the keeper's gloves and goes to the leg side but no run is taken.

A dot to end the over and India now lead by 40 runs! Full, on middle, Sarfaraz Khan pushes it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Easy picking this for Sarfaraz Khan! Glenn Phillips serves a low full toss, outside off, Sarfaraz Khan makes full use of it and creams it through point for a boundary.

And again! Glenn Phillips is on the charge! This is pitched up, on middle, Rishabh Pant taps it in front of long on for a single. GP sprints towards the ball but the fielder from long on gets to it first.

Tossed up, on middle, Sarfaraz Khan nudges it with soft hands to deep square leg for a single.

Full and on middle and off, Rishabh Pant pushes it in front of long off for a single. Glenn Phillips shows his athleticism and gives the ball a quick chase.

Short and on off, Sarfaraz Khan waits for the ball and punches it to deep point for a single.

Into the stumps, on a fuller length, Sarfaraz Khan clips it off his pads to mid-wicket for a single.

Angling into the stumps, over middle, Sarfaraz Khan covers the line and turns it around to mid on.

Slower and fuller, on off, Sarfaraz Khan is deceived by the lack of pace and just taps it to mid off.

Short and on off, Rishabh Pant punches it to deep point for a single.

FOUR! Rishabh Pant is now on a rampage! Rachin Ravindra gives the ball flight and keeps it outside off, on a fuller length, Rishabh Pant gets underneath and lofts it over covers for a boundary. A couple of inches further and that would have gone all the way.

Full and at the stumps, Sarfaraz Khan drives it to long off for a single.

FOUR! Cuts and cuts it hard! Short and outside off, begging to be hit, Rishabh Pant waits back and crips it past backward point for a boundary. India now lead by 25 runs. The 150-run stand comes up between these two batters.

Fuller and on off, Rishabh Pant pushes it to mid off.

Keeps it full, outside off, quicker too, Rishabh Pant hangs back and looks to cut but misses.

Short and on leg, Sarfaraz Khan just nudges it on its way past square leg for a single.

Quicker and fuller, on leg, Sarfaraz Khan is hurried a bit and looks to fend it across. Gets an outside edge rolling back to the off side.

Starts from around the wicket and lands it on middle, fuller in length, Rishabh Pant clips it very late off his pads to deep square leg for a single.

Change? Indeed. Time for the golden arm of Glenn Phillips (13-2-55-1). 4 overs to go for the second new ball.

Drifting into the hips, from around the wicket angle, Sarfaraz Khan just tickles it on its way to short fine leg.

Full and on off, Rishabh Pant pushes it through backward point for a single.

Darted in, full and outside off, Rishabh Pant walks towards the line and lets it be.

Almost sneaked through! Rachin Ravindra hits the rough outside off and gets the ball to keep low and turn back in sharply. Rishabh Pant fails to get any bat on his attempt to sweep and the ball scoots under to go past the off stump.

The sun is out now.

Full and on middle, Sarfaraz Khan taps it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Comes from around the wicket and bashes it into the deck, on a shorter length, just outside off, Sarfaraz Khan waits for the ball and just dabs it in front of point.

Angling in, on a back of a length and going down leg, Sarfaraz Khan lets it go through and Tom Blundell fails to collect it cleanly diving to his left allowing the batters to collect a bye. India's lead is now up to 17 runs!

On a length, on off, Rishabh Pant goes for the drive away from his body. Gets an outside edge that goes down to deep third for a single.

Full and just outside off, Sarfaraz Khan drives it to deep point for a single.

FOUR! Oh dear, Sarfaraz Khan has played some incredible shots throughout his innings but this has to be the best one of it all! William O'Rourke digs it short and over middle and off, Sarfaraz Khan waits in his crease for the ball to get to him almost like he's ready to let it go through. Just sticks his bat and ramps it off the outer half of the bat straight over the keeper's head for a boundary.

Another tight length delivery, just short of a good length, over off, Rishabh Pant covers the line and tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

On a good length, just outside off, Sarfaraz Khan hops back and just dabs it with an open-faced bat, steering it to deep third for a single.

Pitched up, on middle and leg, Sarfaraz Khan taps it to mid-wicket for a single. India's lead is now 8 runs!

Turning in, on middle from a good length, Rishabh Pant tucks it around to long on for a single.

A tad shorter, on middle and off, Sarfaraz Khan drives it to long off for a single.

Full, on off, Rishabh Pant cuts it off the outer half off the bat to point for a single.

FOUR! Not totally in control but Rishabh Pant gets enough of it! This is short and well outside off, Rishabh Pant premeditates the ball and switches stance for the reverse sweep. Goes through with the shot despite the ball being away from him and gets enough to get it over the slip fielder for a boundary. India into the lead now. They lead by 4.

A very loud appeal for caught behind but the umpire turns it down! After a long chat, Tom Latham trusts his keeper, Blundell and decides to send it upstairs. Rachin Ravindra bowls this outside off, on a fuller length, just on the rough patches and gets the ball to hold its line and go past the outside edge as Pant tries to make a block on the front foot. The UltraEdge shows no spike and New Zealand lose another review. They now have only 1 review remaining.

A huge roar across the ground as India level scores with New Zealand! William O'Rourke digs it in short and outside off, Rishabh Pant hops back and glides it to deep point for a single.

Follows up with a good delivery! On middle and off, on a hard length, Rishabh Pant stabs it down the deck.

FOUR! Wow, Pant charges at the bowler and smokes it down the track! O'Rourke lands it on a shorter length, outside off, Rishabh Pant skips down the track and flat bats it with power just past the bowler to his right for a boundary. The deficit is now 1.

A bit too full, on off, Rishabh Pant leans on and blocks it from right under his eyes towards cover.

On a good length, angling into middle and leg, Sarfaraz Khan lifts his front leg up and just maneuvers it to deep square leg for a single.

Steams from over the wicket and lands it on a tight line, just over off, on a good length with some extra bounce off the deck. Sarfaraz Khan tries to have a poke at it at the very end but misses. The ball zips past the outside edge.

It will be pace from the other end in the form of William O'Rourke (13-1-61-0).

Slower this time, on middle and leg, Rishabh Pant turns it around to mid-wicket.

Faster, fuller and on off, Rishabh Pant keeps it out.

SIX! Monstrous! Rishabh Pant hits it perfectly and clears the ropes by a mile! Rachin Ravindra flights it up, outside off, Rishabh Pant hangs back and pummels it over long on for a biggie.

A stifled appeal for a catch but it seemed to have bounced off the turf. And the replay confirms it! Tossed up, just outside off, Rishabh Pant looks to sweep but gets an inside edge back onto the ground that then goes off his shoe to Daryl Mitchell at slip.

Is that out? New Zealand do not look overly excited. The third umpire is called into action to check for a bump ball. The replays show the ball has bounced off the turf before it made contact with the boot and the third umpire is happy with it. NOT OUT flashes on the big screen.

And again! Full, on off, Rishabh Pant skips a step out and dead bats it down the deck.

Starts from over the wicket and serves it full, on off, Rishabh Pant with a full face of the bat makes a very confident block to the left of the bowler.

All in readiness for the action to commence. Tom Latham leads his troops out to the centre. 52 overs are remaining in the day, and whether we will manage to get through all of them remains to be seen. New Zealand are starting with spin in the form of Rachin Ravindra. Rachin to Rishabh Pant first up. A slip in place. Let's play...

UPDATE - 8.06 am GMT - Right then, we have a restart time. Play to restart at 8.20 am GMT. The second session will go on until 10 am GMT. The third and final session of the day will kick off at 10.20 am GMT and will continue until 11.45 am GMT. There is an option to extend play by 30 minutes, weather and light permitting. Abhinav Mukund informs us that 24 overs have been lost due to rain. Saba Karim reports that the weather forecast for the rest of the day suggests cloudy skies but no rain. Let’s hope that holds true for what promises to be two exciting sessions of cricket ahead!

UPDATE - 7.48 am GMT - Great signs! The rain has eased, and the ground staff are hard at work, clearing water puddles off the covers. The match officials have also come out to inspect the ground. Meanwhile, the covers on the outfield are already being pulled back, signalling that we’re inching closer to a restart. The stumps have been erected and it has brightened up a fair bit. We should have an official update regarding resumption soon. Stick around.

UPDATE - 7.30 am GMT - The drizzle continues to persist, with the fourth umpire spotted earlier with his umbrella. While it's more of a mizzle, it’s enough to keep the covers firmly in place and prevent the ground staff from starting their preparations. The wait goes on as we hope for conditions to improve!

While we wait for the rain to relent, let's look at what's coming up this weekend from a cricketing perspective. On Sunday, October 20th, we will witness a new champion being crowned at the final of the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Laura Wolvaardt's South Africa will take on the Sophie Devine-led New Zealand in a battle for ultimate glory under the lights at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

UPDATE - 6.56 am GMT - Unfortunately, the rain continues, and there are no further updates at the moment. However, the drainage at the Chinnaswamy Stadium is among the best, so once the rain subsides, it shouldn’t take long to get the field back ready. Let’s stay optimistic that the skies will clear soon and we’ll have the players back in action. Fingers crossed for a quick turnaround!

UPDATE - 6.30 am GMT - Great news! The rain has eased, and we now see the match officials along with some team management staff inspecting the outfield. Scratch that, the rain has picked up in intensity and we are in for a longer delay than we initially hoped. Anil Kumble, who is from Bengaluru, informs on air that it's not a good sign when the rain comes from the far end of the pavilion, and unfortunately, that’s the case today. We'll keep you posted on further developments.

... DAY 4, SESSION 2 ...

New Zealand, however, remain just a couple of quick wickets away from deflating India's spirits. With the second new ball only 9 overs away, the Kiwi pacers will be eager to take advantage of the added moisture on the pitch and strike early if and when play resumes after Lunch. For India, it will be crucial not to look too far ahead. Sarfaraz and Pant will need to exercise caution in the early part of the session before settling in again. We will be back in 40 minutes for the start of the second session, weather permitting. Cheers!

New Zealand, on the other hand, have struggled to apply any real pressure, with only 2 out of the 22 overs this morning being maidens. This highlights their inability to contain the Indian batters, though, to be fair, the surface has offered them little assistance. The cracks in the pitch, which were expected to trouble the batters, haven't played as much of a factor, barring a few deliveries that misbehaved early on but other than that, Sarfaraz and Pant remained untroubled. The closest New Zealand came to breaking this partnership was a missed run-out opportunity when Pant was on 6, a chance that could come back to haunt them.

Well, that was an eventful session, and it firmly belonged to India. Trailing by 125 runs at the start of the day, India would have hoped to avoid losing a wicket in the morning session, and they have achieved just that. The hosts put on 113 runs in the 22 overs bowled during the session, scoring at an impressive rate of 5.13 runs per over. Sarfaraz Khan resumed from where he left off, putting on a masterclass of late cuts and finding boundaries at will on his way to a maiden Test century. Rishabh Pant started cautiously but soon began taking on the spinners to steadily chip away at the deficit.

UPDATE - 5.49 am GMT - As the rain continues to pour down in Bengaluru, the match officials have decided to take LUNCH early. Saba Karim, reporting from the venue, is seen holding an umbrella and informs that the rain has intensified.

UPDATE - 5.31 am GMT - Uh oh! A bit of drizzle in the air. It has picked up and the players are going off. New Zealand won't mind this one bit. This break gives them a chance to reflect and regroup. The playing surface and the square have been covered. It does look ominous with dark clouds looming. Let's hope that this is just a brief break in play.

Short and on off, Sarfaraz Khan turns it back to the bowler.

Oh dear! That's sloppy allowing the batters an overthrow! Shows the pressure creeping into the Kiwi side. Flighted up, on middle, Rishabh Pant tucks it straight to Will Young at mid-wicket. Young has a wild throw at the batting end and wayward from the keeper allowing the batters to collect a single.

FOUR AND FIFTY FOR RISHABH PANT! What an entertaining knock this has been! Raises his bat and acknowledges the applause from the crowd and the teammates. This is pitched up, on off, Rishabh Pant drives it perfectly through the gap at covers for a boundary.

Gives the ball good revs and keeps it short and on off, Rishabh Pant backs away and looks to cut but hits it just in front of point.

Short and drifting down leg, Sarfaraz Khan helps it on its way to deep square leg for a single.

Pitched up, just around off, Rishabh Pant rocks back and punches it to cover and scampers in a quick single.

Gets some extra bounce on that one does Rachin Ravindra! Bowls it full, on middle and off, the ball shoots up a bit but Sarfaraz Khan blocks it down the track.

Tossed up, on middle, Sarfaraz Khan stabs it down the deck.

Pulls the length down and keeps it over off, Sarfaraz Khan waits for the ball to get very close to him and glides it through the right of Daryl Mitchell at slip for a couple more runs.

Straight and full, on middle, Sarfaraz Khan gets right behind the line and makes a block.

Short and on middle and off, Rishabh Pant pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Starts from over the wicket and lands it on a fuller length, on off, Rishabh Pant pats it down to mid on.

Rachin Ravindra has been handed the ball now.

FOUR! Sarfaraz Khan continues to attack and find the fence! Brings up the 100-run stand between these two! This is full, on middle and off, Sarfaraz Khan takes his front foot out and swats it over to the right of long off for a boundary. India now trail by 22 runs. The stand is now 103 from 120 balls.

Sliding into the pads, with the angle coming into the right-hander, on a fuller length, Sarfaraz Khan looks to tuck it down but misses onto his pads.

Too full, and on middle and leg, Rishabh Pant shows the full face of the bat and pushes it back past the bowler to the right of long on for a single.

Runs continue to flow! This is flighted full, just outside off, Rishabh Pant attempts to carve it through covers but gets an outside edge that goes over the slip fielder and to the right of short third for a couple more runs.

Full, on off, Sarfaraz Khan drives it past cover for a single.

Flatter, fuller and on middle, Sarfaraz Khan taps it to the left of mid-wicket where the skipper Tom Latham dives and makes a fine stop.

A tad fuller, on middle and leg, Sarfaraz Khan clips it to mid-wicket for a single. India now trail by just 30 runs!

Full, on the pads, Rishabh Pant flicks it to deep fine leg for a single.

Quicker, fuller and on off, the balls keeps hits a crack and keeps low but pant manages to get his bat down in time and makes a block.

Straight into the stumps, on a fuller length, Rishabh Pant pushes it back to the bowler.

Full and on middle, Sarfaraz Khan steps down the track a bit and whips it to deep mid-wicket off the inner half of the bat for a single.

Full, on middle, Rishabh Pant leans ahead and scoops it behind to deep fine for a single. He loses his balance and tumbles across but manages to get back up and complete the run.

Full and on middle and leg, Sarfaraz Khan tucks it to short fine leg.

Fired in quicker and fuller, on off, Sarfaraz Khan tries to sweep it from well in front but misses. The ball shoots a bit off the deck and goes off his right shoulder. It lobs over the leaping Daryl Mitchell at first slip and rolls behind for a couple of runs called as leg byes.

A slight mix-up but they make it! On a nagging length, on middle, Rishabh Pant punches it off the back foot to the right of mid-wicket. Glenn Phillips goes after it and puts in a slide to his left. A slide comes in from the mid-wicket fielder as well. The batters hesitate initially, waiting for the ball to go past the mid-wicket fielder and eventually cross over.

Low full toss, on middle, Pant drills it back to the bowler.

Darted in, very full, at the toes, Rishabh Pant misses the tickle and wears it on the boot.

Tossed up, full and on off, knocked down to long on for a single by Sarfaraz Khan.

FOUR! Just short of the fielder! What an eventful over this has been! Ajaz Patel tosses it up, on middle and off, Rishabh Pant skips down to the pitch of the ball and lofts it aerially to long off. The ball just falls short of Rachin Ravindra who dives ahead. It goes past his effort and rushes to the fence for a boundary.

Another one that goes past the pads and up go the Kiwis in unison for an LBW appeal! The umpire turns it down this time. Tom Latham decides to send it upstairs for the review. This is a tad shorter, on middle and turning away off the deck. Rishabh Pant looks to get his bat down and keep it out but gets an outside edge back onto his pad this time. Just as the replay rolls back on, everybody is back in their position. The third umpire is happy with what he has seen on the replay and does not feel the need to go to UltraEdge. Rishabh Pant gets two in two that go in his favour!

A huge shout for LBW, and the umpire raises his finger! Rishabh Pant sends it upstairs straight away. Only some bat could save him because this looks dead in front. This is angled in, on middle and off, Rishabh Pant leans ahead and looks to tuck it across but gets an inside edge back onto the front pad as the replays show. The UltraEdge shows a clear spike and Rishabh Pant successfully overturns the onfield call.

SIX! This is huge! Another fuller one, outside off, Rishabh Pant dances down the track and clatters it straight back over the bowler's head for another biggie. India trail by 42 runs.

Keeps it outside off, on a nagging length, that stays a bit low, Rishabh Pant covers his off stump and dabs it down the deck.

SIX! Takes the attack to the bowler on the very first ball! Tossed up, on middle, Rishabh Pant skips down to the pitch of the ball and clubs it high over long on for a biggie. The deficit is under 50 now.

A touch shorter than a fuller length, on off, Sarfaraz Khan waits for the ball to get to him and steers it to point. A maiden from Glenn Phillips!

On a nagging length, on middle and off, Sarfaraz Khan strides out and tucks it down to mid on,

Tossed up, on off, quicker too, Sarfaraz Khan gets his bat ahead and hurries it back to the bowler.

Bashes it into the deck, short and just outside off, Sarfaraz Khan punches it but can't beat the fielder at cover.

Pitched up, on off, Sarfaraz Khan leans on and drives it straight to cover.

On a shorter length, turning back in, around off, Sarfaraz Khan stays back and pushes it to cover.

Tossed up, on middle and leg, Sarfaraz Khan flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

FOUR! This time, Sarfaraz Khan gets it cleaner and sends it racing to the fence. Continues to toy with the field placements! Too full, on leg, Sarfaraz Khan scoops it wider off the keeper through the vacant fine leg region for a boundary. India get to the 300-run mark with that boundary!

Too full, angling into leg, Sarfaraz Khan gets low and goes for the scoop. Gets a bit of a top edge that over the keeper's head. Devon Conway gives the ball a good chase, puts in a slide forward and pulls the ball back in with his foot. Great effort to save two runs for his side.

Drags the length back again, outside off, Rishabh Pant goes back and punches it to deep point for a single.

Pitched up, on off, Rishabh Pant lunges out and pushes it to the off side.

Short and outside off, Rishabh Pant rocks back and pats it to cover.

Drinks! India have made the perfect start on Day 4! This crucial fourth-wicket partnership, now worth 63 runs, has not only dented the Kiwis' spirits but also eaten into a significant chunk of the deficit, putting India in a strong position to build a commanding lead. New Zealand’s bowlers have struggled to maintain discipline, leaking too many boundaries and failing to keep the batters under pressure. With momentum slipping away, the Kiwis will need to regroup quickly during this break and come back strongly if they hope to break this partnership and wrestle back control. A crucial phase of play awaits as dark clouds hover over the stadium. Though there's no rain at the moment, the conditions look ominous, and everyone will be hoping the weather holds off.

Bowled from close to the stumps, sliding down leg, on a length, Rishabh Pant misses the tickle. The keeper, Tom Blundell fails to gather it cleanly to his right. A bye is taken as the ball deflects off his gloves.

Sprayed on the pads, a bit short, Sarfaraz Khan nurdles it past square leg and gets to the other end.

Pushed through, fuller and on off, Sarfaraz Khan lunges and blocks it out.

Turning in from wide of the crease, on a nagging length, Sarfaraz Khan goes deep in the crease and defends it down.

Short and on off, Sarfaraz Khan stays back and jabs it to mid-wicket.

Drops it short, on off, Rishabh Pant hangs on the back foot and turns it wide of square leg for a single.

It will now be spin from both ends as Glenn Phillips (8-1-36-1) comes into the attack. Can he yet again, get New Zealand that much-needed breakthrough?

Looped up, very full, Sarfaraz Khan jams it out down the deck. First maiden over of the day.

Floated up, full and on off, Sarfaraz Khan knocks it back to the bowler.

Straight and full, at the stumps, Sarfaraz Khan taps it back to the bowler.

Sprays it down leg, on a fuller length.

Slows it up a bit, and keeps it full, on middle, Sarfaraz Khan tucks it to the leg side with soft hands and Rishabh Pant sets himself off for the run. Sarfaraz Khan is quick to send him back!

Pitched up, on middle and off, quicker too, Sarfaraz Khan gets his bat low and jams it down to the off side.

FOUR! Deliberately done! On a short of a length by Southee, on off, Rishabh Pant waits for the ball to arrive and plays it with soft hands. Opens the bat face slightly and threads it in the small gap between slip and gully for a boundary. 60 runs have been scored in the 12 overs of play so far. India trail by 65 runs.

Tailing back into the left-hander, on a length, attacking the front pad, Rishabh Pant gets his bat out in front of the front pad and keeps it out.

At 134.3 kph, outside off, on a length, Pant shoulders arms.

Drags the length back and brings the line closer to the batter, Rishabh Pant plays it back to the bowler with a straight bat.

Bowled from well wide of the crease this time by Southee, on off, on a length, Rishabh Pant covers the line and defends it down on the off side.

SIX! BANG! Straight as an arrow! Southee steams in from around the wicket and serves a length ball, on off, Rishabh Pant swings through the line and pumps it back over the bowler's head for a six.

Darted into the right-hander from around the wicket, full and on middle, Sarfaraz Khan knocks it with a straight bat to mid on.

Full and wide on off, driven wide of cover for a single by Pant. The 50-run stand comes up between these two batters.

Speared in, flat and short, on middle and leg, Rishabh Pant tucks it from the crease to mid-wicket.

Looped up, full and on off, Rishabh Pant goes for the sweep but the ball is too full for the shot and he ends up yorking himself.

Oh, that could have gone anywhere! Aimed at the rough outside the left-hander's off stump, on a nagging length from over the wicket, Rishabh Pant stays back to defend but the ball kicks off the deck and raps him on the glove. Luckily for Pant, it drops in front and well wide of Daryl Mitchell at first slip.

Floated up by Ajaz, outside off, Rishabh Pant lunges and drives it to cover.

This is on a back of a length, on off, Sarfaraz Khan hops and stabs it down on the off side.

Beaten! A scrambled seam delivery by Southee, just outside off, Sarfaraz Khan is lured into the drive as he gets on the front foot but gets beaten on the outside edge.

In and around the sixth stump line, on a short of a length, Sarfaraz Khan stays on the back foot and chops it on the bounce to Glenn Phillips, who is in really tight at gully with the helmet.

Delivers it on a short of a length, around off, Sarfaraz Khan goes deep in the crease to pat it to cover.

Serves it on a good length, on off, defended solidly by Sarfaraz Khan.

FOUR! Class written all over it! At 133.6 kph, on a back of a length, on off. The line is not too bad but Sarfaraz Khan creates the room with his hands. Gets on his toes and plays it right under his eyes. Punches it all along the ground and beats deep point to his right for a boundary.

Continues to bowl it flat and short, outside off, Rishabh Pant jabs it from the back foot to mid-wicket.

This keeps straight, short and on middle, Rishabh Pant stays on the back foot and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Flatter and shorter, outside off, Pant pads it away.

Very full by Ajaz, outside off, Pant reaches out in front for the sweep but misses as the ball goes under his bat and hits him on the boot.

Pushed through, short and wide on off, left alone by Pant.

Sliding on with the arm from around the wicket, on a nagging length, Sarfaraz Khan hangs back and nudges it through square leg for a single.

In the channel on off, on a short of a length, Pant dabs it late but picks out the man at gully who collects on the bounce.

Angling in, at the pads, on a length, Sarfaraz Khan turns it past square leg and picks up a single.

On a good length, on the pads, Sarfaraz Khan gets his bat out in front of the front pad and blocks it out.

MAIDEN TEST HUNDRED FOR SARFARAZ! He is off on a celebratory run and is thrilled to bits. A duck in the first inning but he has bounced back strongly with a gritty hundred. Sarfaraz will know that his job is far from over yet. Coming to the delivery, Southee lands it on a back of a length, on off, Sarfaraz Khan lets the ball come to him and plays it right under his eyes. Rides the bounce and punches it through covers for a boundary to reach his maiden Test ton. Takes the helmet off and lets out a roar. Gets a standing ovation from his teammates.

Oh, that kept low! Jagging back in, on a short of a good length, on off, Sarfaraz Khan looks to play it away on the off side but gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball comes back in sharply to go past the inside edge and goes just past the off stump.

Nipping back in, on off, on a good length, Sarfaraz Khan covers the line of the ball and blocks it out.

Serves it on a length, on off, Rishabh Pant defends it off the front foot.

FOUR! Up and over! Pitched up, on off, Rishabh Pant clears his front leg and lofts it across. Gets it off the lower half of the bat but manages to get it over the leaping fielder at mid on for a boundary. The deficit is now down to 86 runs!

On the pads, on a good length, Sarfaraz Khan yet again with delicate hands, clips it in front of deep square leg and gets a single.

Goes a bit too full, on middle and off, Sarfaraz Khan with soft hands drives it past the bowler to mid off.

On a good length, on middle and leg, Rishabh Pant tucks it through square leg for a single.

A massive miscommunication but Rishabh Pant gets away with it! A big opportunity missed by New Zealand. This is bowled on a back of a length, on off, Sarfaraz Khan stands tall and steers it along the ground to deep backward point. The batters complete the first run and then hesitate for the second run. Pant sets off for the run but does not look at his partner while doing so. The throw comes in from the deep and the keeper, Tom Blundell who is initially behind the stumps at the batting end, feels the need to leave his base and go in front to collect the throw. Pant is halfway through when he looks towards Sarfaraz who is gesturing for him to get back. He turns around and luckily for him, the throw from the deep isn't great and Blundell has to go ahead and collect it. By the time, Blundell can collect the throw, turn around and think about releasing an underarm throw at the batting end, Pant is in.

At 130.9 kph, fuller in length, on off, Sarfaraz Khan gets on the front foot and times the drive to mid off. William O'Rourke dives quickly to his left there and keeps it down to one. Sarfaraz moves to 93 with that single.

Hurls it on a back of a length, on off, Sarfaraz Khan hangs back and stabs it down the deck.

On a good length, on middle and off, Sarfaraz Khan leans on it and taps it to mid off. Umpire Michael Gough asks Sarfaraz to avoid running down the pitch and keep himself away from the danger area.

Pitched up, on off, Sarfaraz Khan gets his weight on the front foot and pats it to cover.

Tailing in slightly, on a good length, on off, Sarfaraz Khan lunges to defend. The ball kicks off the deck a bit and hits the sticker of the bat.

Angling in from around the wicket, on a length, around off, Rishabh Pant eases it wide of cover and takes a single.

FOUR! Sarfaraz Khan continues to toy with the field! On a short of a length, around off, Sarfaraz Khan arches back and lets the ball come to him. Opens the bat face and manages to control the shot. Glides it in the gap between the lone slip and the gully and picks a boundary.

On the pads, on a length, Rishabh Pant looks to tickle it fine but misses. The ball comes off the pads and rolls behind for a leg bye.

FOUR! Fortuitous boundary for Pant! Henry drags the length back a bit and gets the ball to leave the batter, on off, Rishabh Pant does not move his feet at all and goes at the delivery with his hands. Gets an outside edge that goes on the bounce to first slip and gets past the dive of Tom Latham for a boundary. The deficit is now 100.

The keeper, Tom Blundell comes up to the stumps now to keep Pant in the crease. Henry angles it across the batter, on a good length, Rishabh Pant defends away from his body and gets beaten on the outside edge. Good take by Blundell near his left knee.

Fuller and on off, Rishabh Pant gets right behind the line of the ball and pushes it to mid off.

A hint of nip back into the right-hander, on off, on a length, Sarfaraz Khan presses forward to defend. The ball catches the inside edge and rolls behind to deep fine leg for a single.

Slanting in at 137.9 kph, on a hard length, Sarfaraz Khan gets on top of the bounce and plays close to the body this time. Steers it to deep backward point for a single. India trail by 105 runs.

Short and wide on off, Sarfaraz Khan reaches out for the cut but toe-ends his shot. It goes on the bounce to the man under the helmet, Glenn Phillips who is in really tight at gully.

Bowled from wide of the crease, tailing back in, around off, Sarfaraz Khan leaves it alone by covering his off stump.

FOUR! Streaky but Sarfaraz Khan wouldn't mind a bit! On a back of a length and a hint of inward movement, around off, Sarfaraz Khan waits deep in the crease and looks to play at it very close to his body. The ball catches a healthy outside edge and falls low between the gap of the keeper and the first slip, racing away to the fence.

Angling in, on a back of a length, on the pads, Rishabh Pant misses the tickle but the ball comes off the thigh pad and rolls on the leg side for a leg bye.

Now then! O'Rourke sees the batter step out and bangs it into the wicket, Rishabh Pant can only fend it down the deck.

Lands it on a hard length, on off, Sarfaraz Khan hangs back to defend.

FOUR! A good effort by Conway but in vain! Henry dishes it out on a back of a length, on off, Sarfaraz rides the bounce and with an open bat face, he glides it along the ground towards deep backward point. Devon Conway is quick across the turf in the deep as he sprints to his left and slides to prevent the boundary. Gets himself into a tangle in an attempt to prevent the ball from trickling into the fence off the body and at the same time, he needs to ensure that he is not in contact with the ropes. The third umpire is called into action. The replays show that the ball was touching Conway's elbow when was in contact with the boundary cushions. A boundary given.

Has Devon Conway saved a boundary? The third umpire has multiple replays and confirms that some part of his elbow was touching the fence as he had contact with the ball. Given four! But a great effort in the deep!

Hurls it full and around the sixth stump line, Sarfaraz Khan presses forward and eases the drive to the man at short cover.

This jags back in sharply into the right-hander, on a good length, on middle and leg, Sarfaraz Khan is rooted to the crease and ekes out an inside edge back onto the pads.

On a short of a good length, on middle, Rishabh Pant plants his front foot across and turns it behind square on the leg side. Gets off the mark with a single.

Beaten! Henry angles it across the left-hander from over the wicket, on a length, Rishabh Pant pokes at the delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge.

A tighter line, on a length, Sarfaraz Khan pats it with a straight bat to mid on.

FOUR! Smart batting! O'Rourke lands it on a good length, outside off, Sarfaraz Khan gets closer to the line of the ball and taps the ball on its head. It goes all along the ground and splits the two fielders at deep third and deep backward point for another boundary.

O'Rourke digs it in short but the line is well wide on off. The ball takes off and the keeper, Tom Blundell leaps to his right to make the stop.

And again! In the corridor of uncertainty on off but the length is slightly fuller this time, Sarfaraz Khan covers the off stump and makes the leave.

Bashes the hard length, in the channel on off, Sarfaraz Khan initially thinks about pushing at the delivery but in the end, does just enough to tuck the bat inside the line of the ball and lets it go.

FOUR! Cheeky! With a deep backward point in place, O'Rourke bangs it into the deck, outside off, Sarfaraz Khan lets the ball come to him and plays it late. Opens the bat face and ramps it over the slip cordon for a boundary.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be William O'Rourke (11-1-48-0).

Lands it on a length, around off, Rishabh Pant gets right behind the line of the ball and blocks it out.

At 129.8 kph, a bit too straight, on the pads, on a length, Sarfaraz Khan gets on his toes and nudges it to deep square leg for a single. Sarfaraz and India are underway on Day 4!

Pitched up now by Henry, on off and middle, Sarfaraz Khan shows the full face of the bat and plays it back to the bowler.

Drags the length back a little bit does Henry but keeps the stumps in play, Sarfaraz Khan presents a straight bat to stab it down the deck.

A touch fuller this time, attacking the stumps, Sarfaraz Khan gets his bat out in front of the front pad and knocks it along the ground to mid on.

Henry starts from over the wicket and serves it on a good length, around off. The ball lands on one of the cracks and kicks up on its way to the batter. Sarfaraz Khan gets beaten on the outside edge and gets rapped on the right forearm.

We are all set for the action to begin on Day 4, with gloomy skies overhead and the floodlights in full effect! The umpires stride out to the middle, followed by the Kiwi fielders, spreading across the ground with intent, eager to capitalize on the overcast conditions. Sarfaraz Khan walks out, looking to continue from where he left off, and Rishabh Pant joins him at the crease, ready to stamp his authority and turn the tide in India’s favour. Matt Henry will start with the ball this morning for New Zealand! Away we go!

PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull and Murali Kartik take us through the conditions ahead of Day 4. Kartik points out that the cracks on the surface have slightly opened up, with some positioned in the batter's eyeline. He highlights the red marks left by the ball landing on those cracks and explains how the ball has been behaving differently depending on where it strikes. If the ball lands on the front of the crack, it results in extra bounce, while if it lands at the end of the crack, it tends to stay low. When pitched directly on the middle of the crack, the ball deviates off the deck. Doull adds that this will pose a real challenge for the Indian batters. He also mentions that India are not out of the contest yet, but from New Zealand's perspective, this is not a bad surface to bowl on either.

While India will now look to rebuild, the task will be anything but easy. Sarfaraz Khan, though well set, will need to restart and build from scratch, with support from the rest of the batting lineup. India’s immediate goal will be to erase the deficit, and from there, a lead of around 150-180 could give them a strong chance to push for a result, something they’ll be keen on, given the importance of WTC points. It’s shaping up to be a thrilling day of cricket, with both teams ready to throw punches and counterpunch in this closely contested battle. Brace up, as the action is just moments away from now!

New Zealand were met with stubborn resistance from the Indian top order, but their relentless persistence and patience finally cracked open the Indian innings, removing the top three batters! With fresh batters walking in, each under pressure after their struggles in the first innings, the Kiwis will be eager to make the most of this situation. The opening hour could be decisive, offering New Zealand the best opportunity to extract early movement and tear through the batting lineup once again. They’ll know that one or two quick wickets here could put them firmly in control of this match.

Hello and a warm welcome to Day 4 of this exciting first Test between India and New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru! With India still trailing by 125 runs, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Traditionally, Day 3 is known as 'Moving Day', but with the first day lost to rain, today could very well decide the course of this match. India will be hoping to forge a couple of solid partnerships to get past the deficit, while New Zealand will be eager to exploit the early conditions and make quick inroads into the batting lineup. By the end of the day's play, we should have a clearer idea of which way the match will head - or, who knows, we might even witness the match reaching an early conclusion!

... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...

Right then, that wraps up an exhilarating day of Test cricket, where India fought back valiantly with the bat. However, the late wicket of Kohli will have certainly deflated their spirits. They will need to regroup and be ready for a tough challenge ahead. Trailing by 125 runs, the hosts will need to take it session by session, starting with seeing off the crucial first hour on Day 4. On the other hand, New Zealand will feel reinvigorated after that crucial breakthrough and will be eager to capitalize on any early morning assistance. The forecast suggests rain in patches, much like Day 3, but thankfully the rain stayed away today, and everyone will hope for the same tomorrow. It will be an early start on Day 4 with the first ball set to be bowled at 3.45 am GMT, but you can join us early for all the build-up. See you then. Cheers!

Rachin Ravindra is in for a chat. He talks about his batting and says that they were looking to build partnerships after the wickets had fallen. He further talks about the sixes giving him a lot of confidence during batting. He talks about Bangalore being the hometown of his father and having a lot of family members here and says that it is a great feeling to score runs in this city.

In reply, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma applied themselves well, and while the conditions weren't as tough as in the first innings, they still had to remain cautious. The duo navigated the session without losing a wicket, reaching Tea unscathed. However, Jaiswal fell shortly after the break. The Indian skipper soon found his rhythm, with boundaries flowing, but after reaching 52, he was dismissed. Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan, both of whom were on a pair, joined forces and initially looked shaky. As they spent more time at the crease, they grew in confidence, maintaining a steady tempo in India's innings on their way to well-deserved fifties. Just when it seemed like the pair of Sarfaraz and Kohli would go unscathed, Phillips managed to nick Kohli off on the last ball of the day.

Would you believe it? Glenn Phillips, with his golden arm, strikes at the perfect moment, dismissing the big fish and turning what looked like a promising finish for India into a tragic end to the day. New Zealand’s perseverance pays off, and they continue to hold the ascendancy in this Test, strengthening their grip on the contest. Earlier, the day began with India aiming to limit the damage, ideally hoping to keep the lead under 200. When they picked up 4 wickets within the first hour, it looked like they might achieve that goal. However, Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee combined to crush those hopes. The Indian bowlers had no response to the relentless flow of runs as Rachin's brilliant second Test century, along with Southee's 65, propelled New Zealand to 402, finishing with a commanding lead of 356 runs after being 233/7 at one point.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Phillips strikes on the last ball of the day! Phillips floats the ball up just outside the off stump and gets a good bounce off the surface. Virat Kohli offers a front-foot defence and is beaten well by the extra bounce and the away drift. Tom Blundell takes a good catch behind the stumps and goes up straight away. The umpire takes his time and raises the finger. Virat Kohli is not sure and he takes the review. The UltraEdge shows a small spike as the ball is next to the bat. Virat Kohli falls on the last ball of DAY 3.

Fuller on the off stump line from Glenn Phillips and Virat Kohli offers a good front foot block.

Change of gloves for Kohli and this could now be the last over of the day.

Brilliant running between the wickets from Virat Kohli! Glenn Phillips drops the length back outside off and Virat Kohli opens the face of the bat late to run the ball towards third man. Rachin Ravindra gets to the ball and throws it at the batter's end and Virat Kohli makes a dive to reach back inside.

Floats the ball up outside the off stump line. Virat Kohli drives the ball towards covers off the front foot.

Pitches the ball up on the off stump. Virat Kohli flicks it off the front foot towards mid-wicket.

Just short outside off. Sarfaraz Khan stays back and tucks it to deep point for a run.

Keeps it a bit low on the off stump, on a length and gets the ball to nip back in. Virat Kohli stays on the crease and watches the ball well to block it off towards covers.

Another good bouncer with good carry outside the off stump line. Virat Kohli is not interested in playing at that.

Good bumper at the batter with pace. Virat jumps up and drops the ball down towards square leg.

Bowls it outside the off stump line, and gets the ball to move back into the right-hander. Virat Kohli covers the line of the stumps and sees the ball through.

Just short at the batter. Virat Kohli taps it towards point from the crease and is denied the single by Sarfaraz Khan.

Runs in hard and hits the length on top of the off stump. Virat Kohli offers a front foot defence.

Fires it short outside the off stump. Sarfaraz Khan stays on the crease and drops the ball down to end the over.

Holds the length back outside off. Sarfaraz Khan gets back in the crease and knocks it off well.

Fuller outside off. Sarfaraz Khan takes the front foot and strokes it back to the bowler.

Just short on the stumps. Sarfaraz Khan gets back in the crease and drops the ball well.

Tosses it up outside off, slower in the air this time. Sarfaraz Khan stays on the crease, adjusts well to the length and blocks it off.

Floats it up on the stumps. Sarfaraz Khan blocks it off the front foot well.

On the pads, fuller. Virat Kohli drives it well off the front foot but straight to mid on.

Pitches the ball up, fuller on the stumps and Sarfaraz Khan flicks the ball to deep square for a single to bring up his highest score in Test cricket for India.

Another bumper at the batter, second of the over. Sarfaraz Khan drops down and sees it through.

Runs in and bowls it short outside the off stump. Sarfaraz Khan is not interested in playing at that.

Another short ball at Sarfaraz Khan as he ducks down and sees it through.

Runs in hard and bangs it in short at the batter outside leg stump. Sarfaraz Khan looks to pull it but misses completely.

New Zealand are going for the short-ball ploy. Square leg, mid-wicket and a man in the deep, square of the wicket on the leg side in place for Sarfaraz Khan.

Just short on the stumps. Sarfaraz Khan flicks it to deep sqaure leg for a single to end the over.

FOUR! SLAMMED! Sarfaraz Khan gets a half volley outside the off stump and he throws his hands at it hard, without the worry of keeping it along the ground. Times it brilliantly to the right of the flying Daryl Mitchell at covers and gets a boundary.

Fuller on the off stump line. Virat Kohli drives the ball to long on for a single.

Drops the length back on the stumps. Sarfaraz Khan flicks it well towards deep square leg for a run.

Tosses the ball up outside off. Sarfaraz Khan drives it hard once again towards covers.

Floats it up fuller on the off stump. Sarfaraz Khan drives it well towards covers.

FOUR! Nicely done! William O'Rourke bangs it short at the batter with serious pace. Virat Kohli gets back into the crease and helps the pull away, along the carpet to the right of deep fine leg and beats the sliding Tim Southee near the fence for a boundary.

Hits the deck hard on top of the stumps. Virat Kohli stays on the crease and blocks it off well.

Bangs it in short at the batter and Sarfaraz Khan fails to tickle it fine and gets a hit high on the thigh pad and runs a single from square leg as a leg bye.

On the pads from a good length and Virat Kohli tucks it to fine leg for a single.

Bangs it in short and gets a good bounce off the surface. Virat Kohli gets behind the line of the ball and drops it down with ease.

Hits the length hard just outside off. Virat Kohli taps it well off the front foot towards covers.

Drops the length outside the off stump. Virat Kohli taps at it late towards deep point for a single.

Floats it up on the stumps, slower in the air. Virat Kohli takes the front foot out and blocks it well.

Just short on the pads. Virat Kohli stays back and tucks the ball towards mid-wicket.

FOUR! In complete control this time! Glenn Phillips tosses the ball up outside the off stump line this time and Virat Kohli takes the front foot out and drives the ball hard to the right of covers for another beautiful boundary.

FOUR! That will go down as a chance! Ajaz Patel gets an opportunity at first slip but fails to stay low enough to grab it! Glenn Phillips tosses the ball up on a nagging length and Virat Kohli looks to play at it late, getting the outside edge straight to Ajaz Patel at slip who fails to stay low enough. The ball lands near his ankle and goes through his legs for a boundary.

Just short outside the off stump, with pace. Sarfaraz Khan stays back and nudges it to deep point for a single.

On the pads from a good length. Sarfaraz Khan looks to flick it but gets a brush off the thigh pads for a single from fine leg.

Drops the length back outside off. Sarfaraz Khan guides it well but straight to gully on the bounce. Ajaz Patel has been a busy fielder at the gully position.

Shaps it into the right-hander from a good length on off. Virat Kohli gets behind the line of the ball to flick it to fine leg for a single. Brings up 9000 Test runs. Another feather in the cap for Kohli.

Bangs it in short at the batter. Virat Kohli stays back in the crease and drops the ball down towards square leg.

On the pads this time, flicked away to deep square leg for a single.

Bowls it fuller outside the off stump line with pace. Sarfaraz Khan drives it well to the right of deep point and comes back for a second run. Both the Indian batters looking really good between the wickets. The 200 comes up for India.

William O'Rourke (7-0-38-0) returns to the attack.

Just short once again. Sarfaraz Khan stays back and nudges the ball towards point to get a single and end the over.

On the nagging length, just outside off. Sarfaraz Khan stays back and drops the ball on the crease.

Comes wide of the crease and pitches the ball up on the leg stump. Virat Kohli flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Tosses it up on a nagging length on off. Virat Kohli takes a small stride out and knocks it off.

Just short on the stumps. Virat Kohli gets back in the crease and flicks the ball to mid-wicket.

Floats it up on off. Virat Kohli tucks it towards covers.

EDGED! Sarfaraz Khan goes at the length ball outside off with hard hands this time and gets a thick outside edge that falls just short of Ajaz Patel at the gully. First maiden in 20 overs from New Zealand.

Another delivery fuller on the stumps. Sarfaraz Khan tucks it straight to mid on.

Nails a yorker on the stumps. Sarfaraz Khan does well to keep it out in time.

Pitches the ball up on the stumps. Sarfaraz Khan takes the front foot out and blocks it towards the bowler.

Runs in hard from over the wicket and bowls on a length outside off, getting the ball to nip back into the batter. Sarfaraz Khan looks to block it off the front foot but wears the ball on the inner thigh.

Hits the length hard outside the off stump. Sarfaraz Khan stays on the crease and blocks it off well.

Holds the length back on the stumps and the ball keeps very low. Virat Kohli gets back in the crease and adjusts well to the bounce to keep it out.

Sarfaraz drives the fuller delivery outside off to the left of mid off and gets a single.

Tosses the ball up on the stumps and Sarfaraz Khan plays the scoop shot, well to the right of fine leg and gets a couple of runs more. The HUNDRED partnership between these two comes up with that couple.

Drops the length back outside the off stump and Sarfaraz Khan gets back in the crease and taps it late to the right of slip for a couple of runs.

Outside the off stump line, full again. Virat Kohli drives it well to long off for a single.

Floats it fuller on off. Virat Kohli flicks it straight to mid-wicket.

Gets the single and gets to his 31st Test FIFTY does Virat Kohli! The partnership continues to grow for India. Just short on the off stump line from Matt Henry and Virat Kohli tucks it towards deep point for an easy single.

Pitches the ball up on the off stump line. Virat Kohli drives it back off the front foot but straight to Matt Henry.

On a good length just on top of the off stump. Virat Kohli takes a good front foot out and blocks it off well. Still on 49!

A good bumper from outside the off stump. Virat Kohli leans back and lets the ball go through.

On the length, just outside off. Sarfaraz Khan taps it towards deep point and gets a run.

Drops the length on the pads from over the stumps and Virat Kohli flicks it to fine leg for a single. Virat Kohli moves onto 49 with that run.

Tosses it up on off. Virat Kohli drives it with the turn towards long on for a single to end the over.

Bowls on a nagging length on the pads. Virat Kohli stays on the crease and flicks the ball along the ground to mid-wicket.

Fuller on the pads. Virat Kohli tucks it to mid-wicket off the front foot.

Just short on the pads. Virat Kohli stays back and drops it down.

FOUR! That is a Kohli Special! Glenn Phillips pitches the ball fuller on the off stump and Virat Kohli uses the bottom hand to roll over the ball as a tennis forehand, all along the ground, beating Glenn Phillips to his right for a superb boundary.

Nails a yorker outside the off stump line. Sarfaraz Khan drives it to deep point for a single.

Glenn Phillips (1-0-2-0) has been handed the ball now. The floodlights are being switched on.

FIFTY for Sarfaraz Khan! Fresh from a brilliant double century in the Irani Cup, Sarfaraz Khan gets a FIFTY for his country! On the pads, fuller and Sarfaraz Khan flicks it to deep square leg for a single. 4th half-century in 4 Test matches for Sarfaraz Khan!

Bowls back of a length angling on the pads this time with pace. Sarfaraz Khan looks to nudge it through mid-wicket but misses it and wears it on the thigh pad.

Hits the length hard on top of the stumps. Sarfaraz Khan drops it down on the crease.

Holds the length back outside off. Virat Kohli taps it to deep point and gets a run.

Pitched up on the off stump. Virat Kohli drives it straight back towards the bowler. Matt Henry gets down in time on the follow through and makes a good stop off his own bowling.

Just short at the batter with pace. Sarfaraz Khan tucks it to deep square leg for a single off the first ball.

Just short on top of the stumps. Virat Kohli stays back in the crease and drops the ball down. India still trail by 177 runs.

Runs in hard from over the wicket angle and bowls it on a good length on off. Virat Kohli takes a good stride out and blocks the ball towards covers.

Hits the length on the pads and gets the ball to jag back in. Virat Kohli misses the flick and wears it on the front foot but way outside the line of leg stump.

On the pads from a good length. Sarfaraz Khan flicks it to fine leg for a run.

FOUR! Moves on to 47 with that cheeky slice! Sarfaraz Khan waiting on that short ball outside the off stump and opens the face of the bat late, beating the fielder at the gully to his left and getting a boundary towards the deep third region.

Drops the length back on top of the off stump line. Sarfaraz Khan stays back in the crease and drops the ball towards point.

Pitches it a bit fuller on the off stump channel. Virat Kohli offers another good front foot defence and ends the over.

Hits the length outside the off stump line. Virat Kohli takes a good stride out and knocks it off towards covers.

Short and just outside the off stump. Virat Kohli stays on the crease and opens the face of the bat, getting the ball to the right of deep point and runs a couple. Brilliant running by Virat Kohli between the wickets.

Change of pace, fuller on the off stump. Virat Kohli watchfully blocks it off the front foot back to the bowler.

Pitches the ball up on the off stump, looking to get some swing. Virat Kohli drives it off the front foot straight to mid on.

Runs in from over the wicket and pitches the ball up on the stumps. Virat Kohli takes the front foot out and knocks it back to the bowler.

Drinks! Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan have managed a good partnership after the dismissal of both openers. India are 172/2 and still trail by 184 runs. Both batters have scored at a good clip and have been quick to put the bad balls away. It will be important for New Zealand to regroup during this break but will know that they are only a couple of wickets away from taking the wind out of India's sails. Let's see what happens after the break. Matt Henry has been brought back into the attack.

Dishes it out on a back of a length, on off, Sarfaraz Khan hops and steers it to the man at backward point.

Jagging back in off the deck, on a good length, Sarfaraz Khan gets his bat out in front of the front pad and jabs it to mid-wicket.

Lands it on a length, on off, Sarfaraz Khan firms the drive to mid off.

On the pads now, on a good length, Virat Kohli walks into the shot and tucks it past mid-wicket for one.

At 131.4 kph, on off, on a length, Virat Kohli shapes up to keep it out with a straight bat but the ball holds its line to catch the outside edge. The ball rolls wide of gully for a couple of runs more.

Serves it on a length, angling in at the pads, Virat Kohli uses his feet and nudges it between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Fired in, shorter and quicker, on off, Sarfaraz Khan stays back to defend.

SIX! Two in two for Sarfaraz Khan! Ajaz gives the ball air but errs in length again, too full, on middle, Sarfaraz Khan gets underneath it and clubs it with a slog sweep over deep mid-wicket for six more runs.

SIX! A gift and Sarfaraz Khan accepts it gleefully! Loopy delivery, low full, on the pads, Sarfaraz Khan reaches out in front and clobbers it over deep mid-wicket for a six.

On the pads, on a nagging length, Sarfaraz Khan tucks it in front of square leg. Sets off for the single but gets sent back by Kohli.

Did that carry? No, went on the bounce. Shorter and on off, Sarfaraz Khan dabs it on the bounce to the man at first slip.

Misfield! Short and on off, Sarfaraz Khan goes on the back foot and guides it towards backward point where Devon Conway slides to his left but the ball gets past him, allowing a couple of runs.

Attacking the front pad, on a length, Virat Kohli whips it straight to mid on.

The ball straightens a touch this time, around off, on a length, Virat Kohli looks to defend but gets it off the outer half of the bat and rolls in front of point.

Hurls it on a length, on off, Virat Kohli blocks it out off the front foot.

Full and on off, driven straight to cover by Kohli.

Edged but just short! On a length, on off, Sarfaraz Khan pushes at the delivery and gets an outside edge. It drops short of Ajaz Patel at gully. The ball gets parried off his hands to his right and the batters steal a quick single.

A confident shout for LBW but turned down! With a scrambled seam from Southee, this jags back in, on a good length, on middle, Sarfaraz Khan gets behind the line of the ball to keep it out. Gets beaten on the inside edge and raps Khan on the knee roll on the front pad. Tom Latham has a word with the keeper and the bowler and decides not to go for the review. The replays show that the ball deviated off one of the cracks.

FOUR! Second of the over. Sliding onto the pads, on a length, Virat Kohli tickles it fine off his pads towards the deep fine leg fence. William O'Rourke gives it a chase but in vain.

Turn and bounce! This will encourage Ajaz. Drifting in and then spinning away, on off, Virat Kohli rocks on the back foot and follows the delivery. Gets beaten on the outside edge as the ball spins away.

Flatter and shorter, on off, Virat Kohli rocks back and pats it to cover.

This is on a nagging length, on off, it lands and then spins away, Virat Kohli pushes it to cover.

FOUR! All along the ground this time! Fired in, fuller and quicker, on the pads, Virat Kohli brings out the sweep and brooms it past backward square leg for a boundary. The 50-run stand comes up between these two batters.

SIX! Launched down the ground! Ajaz floats it up, full and on off, Virat Kohli skips down the track and gets to the pitch of the ball. Belts it back over the bowler's head for a six.

A tighter line this time, at the stumps, on a length, Sarfaraz Khan eases the drive to mid off.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Too straight from Southee, on the pads, on a length, Sarfaraz Khan just waits on it and rolls his wrists on the ball to flick it wide of deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Fuller and shaping in, on off, Sarfaraz Khan gets his bat close to the front pad and plays it back to the bowler.

Drags the length back does Southee, on off, Sarfaraz Khan stabs it down on the leg side.

Zoning in at the stumps again, on a length, Sarfaraz Khan pushes it down to mid on.

Full and a hint of tail into the pads, Sarfaraz Khan knocks it firmly along the ground to mid on.

Flatter and shorter, on middle, Virat Kohli goes on the back foot and nudges it on the bounce to short leg.

Nicely tossed up by Ajaz, on middle, Virat Kohli flicks it towards mid-wicket where Tim Southee dives to his left to make the stop.

Down the leg side, on a nagging length, Sarfaraz Khan gets inside the line and helps it down to deep fine leg for a run.

On the off-stump line, speared in on a length, Sarfaraz Khan lunges to defend.

Shorter and slower, on off, Virat Kohli waits on it and cuts it to the left of a deepish cover-point for a single.

Floated up, full and on off, Virat Kohli lunges to defend.

FOUR! Cheeky! O'Rourke bashes it on a short length, on off, Sarfaraz Khan arches back and keeps his eyes on the ball all the way through. Ramps it over the keeper for a boundary.

Much better from O'Rourke! Hurls it fuller in length, around off, Sarfaraz Khan looks to play it with a straight bat. The ball holds its line and goes past the outisde edge.

SIX! Effortless! O'Rourke bends his back and goes short, around off, Sarfaraz Khan rides the bounce and opens the bat face to glide it uppishly and over the deep backward point fence for a six.

Slanting in on the pads, on a good length, Virat Kohli turns it off his pads wide of square leg for a single.

O'Rourke digs it in short, on off, Virat Kohli sways away and lets it go. The slowness of the pitch results in the ball not carrying behind to the keeper.

Serves it on a length, on off, Virat Kohli presses forward to defend.

A loud shout for LBW but the umpire remains unmoved! Looked to be going down leg with the angle. Sliding on with the arm, full and on the pads, Sarfaraz Khan plants his foot across to clip it on the leg side but plays all around it. Gets rapped on the front pad. Well, the Ball Tracking shows that the ball did straighten to clip the leg stump and it would have been umpire's call.

Speared in, full and at the stumps, Virat Kohli lunges and clips it towars wide mid on for a quick single.

Short and around off, Kohli punches it from the crease to point.

The length is pulled back now by Ajaz, on a nagging length, Virat Kohli rocks back and tucks it past short leg. Works it to the left of O'Rourke at square leg and gets back for the second.

Tossed up now by Ajaz, on off, Virat Kohli gets on the front foot nicely and pushes it to cover.

On a nagging length, on the pads, Virat Kohli brings his wrists into play and works it wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

O'Rourke goes into the wicket, on off, Sarfaraz Khan hops and dabs it down on the off side.

A hint of away movement off the deck, on a good length, Sarfaraz Khan stays back to defend.

Honing in at the stumps, on a length, Sarfaraz Khan keeps it out with a straight bat.

FOUR! Easily done! On a back of a length, on off, Sarfaraz Khan stays leg side of the ball and opens the bat face to guide it through the vacant gully region for a boundary.

Serves it on a good length, on off, Virat Kohli drops it with soft hands, wide of cover and picks up one.

FOUR! Glorious! On a length, on off, Virat Kohli gets his weight on the front foot and creams the drive. Beats the diving mid off fielder to his left for a boundary.

Floated up, on off, pushed to cover by Sarfaraz.

A big mix-up but no harm done! A bit of extra bounce on this one, on a nagging length, over middle, Sarfaraz Khan lunges for the sweep but the ball goes over his bat and sails over the stumps. The ball deflects off the keeper's gloves and rolls to his left. Kohli wants a single and is almost halfway down the track. Khan sends him back and he is quick to turn around and makes his ground at the bowling end.

FOUR! Behind square this time but the result is the same! Slower through the air, fuller and on off, Sarfaraz Khan brings out the broom again and hits it through backward square leg for four more runs.

FOUR! Swept and swept well! Looped up, full and around off, Sarfaraz Khan gets a good stride in and picks it up from outside off. Nails the sweep in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.

Tossed up, on middle, defended solidly by Sarfaraz.

So nearly sneaked through! Darted in, short and on middle and leg, Virat Kohli rocks back for the pull but the ball deflects off the inside edge and hits his back leg. The ball goes off his back leg and evades the leg stump. It gets past the keeper for a single.

Not close enough to make the batter play, on a length, wide on off, left alone by Khan.

O'Rourke gets a good height on the bumper this time, around middle. Virat Kohli fends at it awkwardly but manages to keep it down on the leg side. The ball rolls in front of Glenn Phillips at square leg and the batters steal a quick single.

On the length, on the pads, Sarfaraz Khan nudges it off his pads to deep square leg and picks up a single.

Pitches the ball up just outside the off stump. Virat Kohli takes a good stride out and taps the ball to the left of covers for a quick single.

Drops the length back on top of the off stump. Virat Kohli stays back and tucks the ball towards mid off.

Runs in hard from over the wicket and pitches the ball on a good length on off. The ball stays low and Virat Kohli adjusts well to the bounce and blocks it off the front foot.

William O'Rourke (4-0-15-0) comes back into the attack. Ajaz Patel has gone off the field after completing the over.

Comes around the stumps and pitches the ball on a nagging length on off. Sarfaraz Khan gets back in the crease and drops the ball down to end the over.

Sarfaraz Khan comes out to bat at number 4 for India.

OUT! BOWLED! Rohit Sharma stands there in disbelief! Ajaz Patel is ecstatic. He has now got both Indian openers. Ajaz stays around the wicket and loops it up, full and on off, Rohit Sharma gets to the pitch of the ball and defends it out. The ball hits the inner half of the bat and lands on the turf before trickling towards the stumps. Rohit is not alert to the situation and by the time, he realises, it is too late. The ball trickles off his bat and rolls back onto the stumps. Just as India were starting to inject momentum into their innings, Rohit departs.  He goes for 52 (63). India are now 95/2, traling by 261 runs.

Tossed up, around off, Rohit Sharma presses forward and blocks it out.

Floated up, full and on middle, Rohit Sharma lunges to defend.

Short and darted in, on the pads, Virat Kohli turns it past short leg and gets to the other end.

FOUR! Cut away! Fractionally short by Ajaz, on off, Virat Kohli rocks on the back foot quickly and cuts it between cover and point. Glenn Phillips gives it a chase and puts in a dive but in vain.

On a length, on off, Rohit Sharma defends it from the crease. 16 runs off the over.

FIFTY FOR ROHIT SHARMA! 4, 6, 4 by the Indian skipper to get to his half-century. Chants of 'Rohit, Rohit' go up. Henry digs it in short and keeps it around middle and leg, Rohit Sharma hops and rides the bounce to control the pull. Hits it along the ground to the left of deep fine leg where Rachin Ravindra tumbles to that side but the ball goes under his body and gets past him for a boundary.