close
close

Guiltandivy

Source for News

Rohit Sharma and Co are aiming for a repeat performance in Bengaluru in 2004 as New Zealand teeters on the brink of history
Update Information

Rohit Sharma and Co are aiming for a repeat performance in Bengaluru in 2004 as New Zealand teeters on the brink of history

Rohit Sharma-led Team India faces an uphill battle as they aim to defend 107 against New Zealand in the ongoing first Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Rohit Sharma looked for inspiration and did the unthinkable. Should the hosts actually win this Test, it would be one of their most famous victories, considering the team was out of the game for just 46 seconds in the first innings. If the hosts are looking for inspiration, they need to look at what the Rahul Dravid-led side achieved in 2004.

Bengaluru: India captain Rohit Sharma and others on the ground after poor light disrupted play on the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between India and New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 19, 2024. (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak) (PTI10_19_2024_000339B)(PTI)
Bengaluru: India captain Rohit Sharma and others on the ground after poor light disrupted play on the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between India and New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 19, 2024. (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak) (PTI10_19_2024_000339B)(PTI)

Rahul Dravid, the then stand-in captain, led India to a famous win against Australia at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. And you, what's scary? India had defended the score of 107, the same score that the current Indian line-up has to defend against New Zealand.

The 2004 Test between India and Australia lasted three days as spinners wreaked havoc on both sides. You can imagine the condition of the pitch where even Michael Clarke came back in the second innings with figures of 9-6.

In the final innings, Australia were set a target of 107, but the visitors bowled out just 93 in 31 overs. Matthew Hayden was Australia's top scorer with 24 runs.

For India, the spin trio of Harbhajan Singh, Murali Kartik and Anil Kumble were the main contributors as they claimed nine wickets between them. Harbhajan returned with five wickets while Murali Kartik and Anil Kumble grabbed three and one respectively.

Talking about the same game, India were bowled out for 104 in the first innings. Australia then folded for 203 in their innings and built a lead of 99 runs. Thanks to a 69-run knock from VVS Laxman in the second innings, India posted 205 runs and set a target of 107 for Australia.

India and New Zealand want to brave the rain in Bengaluru

Both India and New Zealand are looking at a famous victory. If the BlackCaps register a win, it would be their first Test win on Indian soil in 36 years. Their last win in India was in 1988.

However, rain is expected to play spoilsport on the final day of the Test match. Stumps were called early on Day 4 and the final day's play is expected to see a delayed start due to morning showers.

However, Bengaluru's drainage is among the best in the world. So once it stops raining, you can expect the play to begin in no time.

As for the ongoing Test between India and New Zealand, the hosts scored 462 runs in the second innings thanks to Sarfaraz Khan's 150-run knock and Rishabh Pant's 99-run innings. Rohit Sharma and Co. looked very good until tea time, but the constant loss of wickets meant the innings was concluded early and New Zealand were given a target of 107.

Jasprit Bumrah made the ball do the talking in the last session. But after just four balls in the inning, the game had to be stopped early due to poor lighting conditions and subsequent rain showers.

LEAVE A RESPONSE

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *