Fri Oct 18 09:01:43 UTC 2024: ## New Zealand Dominates India in Bengaluru Test, Ravindra’s Century Propels Visitors to a 356-Run Lead

**Bengaluru, India:** New Zealand tightened their grip on the first Test against India on Day 3, building a mammoth lead of 356 runs thanks to a magnificent century from Rachin Ravindra. Ravindra’s unbeaten 100, coupled with earlier half-centuries from Devon Conway and Tim Southee, helped the BlackCaps reach 402, setting India an improbable target.

India, on the other hand, had a disastrous day, collapsing to their lowest ever home Test total of 46 runs in their first innings. Only Rishabh Pant managed a double-digit score with 20 runs before succumbing to injury. The Indian batting lineup was exposed by the New Zealand pace attack, with Matt Henry and William O’Rourke proving particularly unplayable.

The Indian bowlers, while showing some fight, struggled to contain the New Zealand batsmen, who continued their dominance in the second innings. Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of the bowlers for India, taking three wickets.

The day was also marked by a series of missed opportunities for India. Ravindra survived a close LBW call when the third umpire ruled that the ball had missed the bat, and Tim Southee, who scored a crucial 50, was dropped by KL Rahul.

The second innings for India started cautiously, but they will need a miraculous batting performance to salvage any chance of victory. The task is monumental, and a draw appears more likely unless the heavens open and offer some assistance.

The match continues tomorrow, with India needing to bat through the entire day and hope for some miraculous batting displays to pull off a stunning comeback.

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