KL Rahul fell for a duck in the first innings and managed just 12 in the second innings in Bengaluru (BCCI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Sarfaraz Khan's magnificent 150 and Rishabh Pant's brisk 99 guided India to a second innings total of 462 and set New Zealand a target of 107 in a thrilling day of Test cricket M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.
However, rain interrupted play just as the visitors began their fightback, with openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway yet to score.
New Zealand's fast bowlers William O'Rourke and Matt Henry took three wickets each as they bowled out the hosts for 462.

Thanks to a scintillating 177-run partnership between Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant, India looked to be in a dominant position at 408/3. But as soon as the second new ball was taken, the remaining seven wickets fell for just 54 runs.

With the pitch showing signs of deterioration and support being offered to the pacers, India will require extra effort from their bowlers to secure an unlikely victory.

Sarfaraz's innings was peppered with excellent shots, especially at the offside, while Pant, despite not being fully fit, played an exhilarating knock and came close to reaching his century.

At 70, Sarfaraz resumed his bold approach and punished the New Zealand bowlers with a series of boundaries.

A mix-up between the two batsmen almost resulted in Pant's run-out, but Blundell missed the throw at the stumps. Sarfaraz reached his hundred in style, running with his bat raised and his hands raised as the stadium erupted in applause.

Pant too started breaking away, smashing sixes and boundaries from the spinners and pacers alike. He made it to 50 in just 55 balls, dispelling any doubts about his fitness. Sarfaraz continued his impressive performance and reached 150 for the first time in Tests.

However, Southee's extra bounce accounted for Sarfaraz, who was caught at cover for 150.

Pant's attempt to deny O'Rourke resulted in his dismissal for 99 as the ball rattled his leg stump.
O'Rourke and Henry then ended the Indian innings, taking the remaining wickets in quick succession.