Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) – Ravindra Jadeja continued his dominant form, picking up a five-wicket haul to bowl New Zealand out for 174 in their second innings, setting India a target of 147 runs to win the third Test of the series and avoid a 0-3 whitewash. Jadeja’s performance included his second five-wicket haul of the match, bringing his overall figures to an impressive 10-120, marking his 15th five-wicket haul in 77 Test matches.
New Zealand, starting from an overnight score of 171/9, managed to add just three runs to their total in the morning session before being bowled out in only 14 balls. Ajaz Patel’s attempt to hit Jadeja’s tossed-up delivery ended in a catch to Akash Deep at deep mid-wicket, sealing the all-rounder’s standout performance with figures of 5-55.
India now has to chase 147 on a pitch offering considerable turn and variable bounce, conditions that could make the pursuit tricky. Speaking at the press conference on Saturday, Shubman Gill emphasized the importance of building a partnership of around 60-70 runs, which could secure the match for India. New Zealand, however, hopes to capitalize on early wickets and the pressure of a fourth-innings chase.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand: 235 and 174 all out in 45.5 overs (Will Young 51; Ravindra Jadeja 5-55, R Ashwin 3-63)
India: 263; target 147 to win