Fri Oct 18 06:31:26 UTC 2024: ## New Zealand Dominates India in Bengaluru Test, Ravi Ravindra Century Puts Kiwis in Control
**Bengaluru:** New Zealand continued their dominance over India in the first Test match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, extending their lead to a mammoth 299 runs at lunch on day 3.
The Kiwis, resuming on 180/3, built upon their strong first innings performance thanks to a brilliant century from Rachin Ravindra (104 runs) and a quick-fire half-century from Tim Southee (49 runs).
The day began with New Zealand carrying a 134-run lead after India’s disastrous first innings collapse for just 46 runs. This record-low score was a result of incisive bowling from Matt Henry (5 wickets) and William O’Rourke (4 wickets), who tore through the Indian batting lineup on Day 2.
Ravindra, who looked composed throughout his knock, reached his century in the 80th over, hitting a boundary off Ravichandran Ashwin. Southee, who also played aggressively, launched three sixes and three fours in his quick-fire innings, adding to the Kiwis’ dominance.
India, struggling to contain the New Zealand attack, failed to pick up wickets consistently in the morning session, allowing the visitors to take a firm grip on the match.
The match has been affected by intermittent rain throughout the first three days, resulting in delays and interruptions. The Indian team will be hoping to make a strong comeback in the second innings to avoid a heavy defeat.
First Piper 