Fri Oct 18 06:06:05 UTC 2024: ## New Zealand Dominates Day 3 of Bengaluru Test, Ravindra and Southee Pile on Runs

**Bengaluru, India:** The third day of the first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru saw New Zealand continue their dominant display, with Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee putting on a scintillating partnership to push the Kiwis towards a substantial lead.

Ravindra, in particular, was in superb form, smashing his second Test century off just 124 balls. He reached his fifty with back-to-back boundaries off Kuldeep Yadav, and then continued his onslaught, hitting a string of powerful shots throughout the day. Southee, too, was a valuable contributor, hitting a series of boundaries in support of Ravindra.

India, meanwhile, struggled to contain the New Zealand batsmen, with their bowlers unable to find a way to break the partnership. The Indian fielding was also lackluster, with several missed opportunities.

Earlier in the day, Jasprit Bumrah became the highest wicket-taker in Tests for the 2024 calendar year, claiming the wicket of Tom Blundell. However, New Zealand’s resilience in the face of some tight bowling from Bumrah and Siraj was impressive.

India, in desperate need of a turnaround, will be hoping to find a way to stop Ravindra and Southee’s onslaught on Day 4.

**Other Key Developments:**

* Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the match due to a knee injury sustained on Day 2.
* India’s decision to bat first on Day 1 backfired spectacularly, as they were bowled out for their lowest ever Test total at home – 46 runs.
* New Zealand finished Day 2 at 180/3, with Devon Conway scoring a brilliant 91.

The action continues on Day 4. Stay tuned for live updates on Sportstar.

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