New Zealand's Bowling Blitz Stuns India in First Test Standoff

On the final day of the first Test match between India and New Zealand, India struggled to capitalize on their previous gains, losing seven wickets for 60 runs. New Zealand's fast bowlers dominated, taking critical wickets. With a daunting target for the Indian bowlers, New Zealand positioned themselves for victory.

The climactic conclusion to the first Test match between India and New Zealand faced an initial delay at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium due to a wet outfield. According to ESPNcricinfo, play will resume at 10:15 am on Sunday, with the lunch break postponed to 12:30 PM IST, allowing for a 30-minute recovery of lost time.

Despite a flying start in the fourth day of play, India's second innings faltered as the team nosedived from 407-3 to a paltry 462 all-out. Sarfaraz Khan stood out with a stellar 150, and Rishabh Pant came close to a century with his 99. However, KL Rahul's dismissal without scoring further compounded India's woes, mirroring their dismal first innings where they managed only 46 runs.

India's batting lineup crumbled under the relentless onslaught from New Zealand's bowlers post-Tea. The new ball spells disaster as Ravindra Jadeja was first to go, dismissed by William O' Rourke. India, bowled out after 94.5 overs at 458, saw subsequent rapid dismissals as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj both fell for ducks. William O'Rourke and Matt Henry each claimed three scalps, while contributions from Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, and Glenn Phillips secured a strong performance by the visitors' attack.

New Zealand's quicks achieved a staggering record, taking 17 wickets in a Test against India, the most since South Africa's 19-wicket exploit in 2008 in Ahmedabad. As New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway took to the crease, play was shortly suspended due to poor light, with Latham surviving a review scare following a Jasprit Bumrah delivery. With an achievable target of 107 runs set, New Zealand is poised to challenge India's bowlers in their attempt to clinch all ten wickets quickly.

(With inputs from agencies.)