Another ripper of a delivery from Bumrah dismisses the other Kiwi opener, Devon Conway, the batter who missed on a near century in the first innings.
After Indian batters with the likes of Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant gave their best to pull off India to a very respectable total, the lower order failed to capitalize as India could not extend their lead further than 106 runs.
After receiving praise for his maiden Test hundred at the Chinnaswamy before lunch, Sarfaraz Khan scored a perfect 150. Rishabh Pant, who was amazed at playing some stunning cricket, also missed his hundred by a whisker, as he was dismissed for 99.
While bad light prevented further play on Day 4, New Zealand batters came in to chase down a target of 107 on the final day. After a rain-delayed morning, skipper Latham alongside Conway came in to bat.
Jasprit Bumrah first dismissed the likes of New Zealand skipper Tom Latham for a duck, while later in the final over of his spell he struck against Conway with a delivery that enchanted a gospel for the Indian team.
What effect might New Zealand’s win have on India’s chances for the WTC final qualification?
India is currently at the top of the WTC points table, as they are the most assured team that would be confident enough to enter the WTC finals for the third time in the history of the tournament.
However, for India, who seem to be a very confident side in the WTC, the team needs to win at least 5 of their 8 games. Hence, even a loss in the first test would not be what would cost them big time; this would in no way jeopardize India’s chances for the WTC final at Lord’s.
But on the contrary, this would surely affect their morale as India has had an unbeaten streak at home in Test match cricket, which would be broken if New Zealand can create history by winning their first-ever test match in India after 36 years.
However, since the final 5-matches, of which now India would have to manage a minimum of 3 wins, are to be held in Australia, the first loss against New Zealand at home would add to the concerns of the Men in Blue. A clean sweep in the home series would have strengthened their chances into the WTC.
