The first Test between India and New Zealand has come down to the final session of the fifth day. While Kane Williamson and Co. have put up a brave fight with the bat, India has managed to find inroads into the Kiwi lineup. Following a brave effort from Tom Latham and nightwatchman Will Somerville, the visitors’ batting lineup has fallen apart.
Skipper Kane Williamson is the only other Kiwi batter who has managed to breach the 20 run mark barring Latham and Somerville. It was Williamson’s defiance that kept the Indian bowlers at bay as he tried to forge partnerships but wickets kept tumbling at the other end.
The situation could have been worse had Tom Latham and the skipper not negotiated Umesh Yadav‘s vicious spell where he produced an impressive display of reverse swing with the old ball. Yadav looked exceedingly threatening but th Kiwi batters were vigilant.
Umesh Yadav comes agonisingly close to dismissing Kane Williamson
The 40th over of the New Zealand innings saw Umesh Yadav come up with a peach of a delivery to Kane Williamson. The Indian quick made the ball drift into the batsman before it swung away, opposite to the shiny side, only to miss the stump by a millimetre. It was a hand to the head moment for India as they continued to search for the second wicket of the day.
The ball even left Williamson in awe. The Kiwi skipper was seen with a surprised look on his face as he acknowledged the quality of the delivery. Williamson’s defiance came to an end in the 70th over as Ravindra Jadeja trapped him plumb in front of the wicket to renew his side’s morale.
India has come very close to winning the Test match but time is not in their favour. With just five more overs in left to be bowled, the hosts have to pick two wickets to go one-nil up in the two-match series. It has all come down to debutant Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee to hold down the fort.
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