India’s quest for a series-leveling victory against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium took a significant turn on the final day, as Ravindra Jadeja’s devastating bowling performance set up a challenging chase of 147 runs.
Resuming the day with a slender lead of 143 and only one wicket remaining, New Zealand’s hopes rested on the shoulders of their last pair, Ajaz Patel and Will Somerville. However, Jadeja proved too formidable, dismissing Patel with a sharp-turning delivery that found the edge and was caught at deep midwicket.
With the last wicket down, India’s bowlers had completed a remarkable turnaround, having conceded 235 runs in the first innings but restricting New Zealand to just 174 in the second. Jadeja’s match figures of 5-55 were his second-best in Test cricket, while Ashwin chipped in with 3-63.
The target of 147 runs is the highest fourth-innings chase ever set at the Wankhede Stadium. Only eight teams have successfully chased down a higher target in the fourth innings of a Test match.
India’s pursuit of victory began cautiously, with openers Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill negotiating the early overs without any major alarms. However, the task ahead remains daunting, as the pitch is expected to deteriorate further and assist the spinners.
If India can pull off this chase, it will be a remarkable achievement, considering their struggles in the first two Tests of the series. A victory would also prevent New Zealand from completing their first-ever series whitewash in India in a series of three Tests or more.
