Despite a valiant fightback from India's top order, New Zealand remain in a strong position in the 1st Test match. After a stellar batting performance from Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee, New Zealand have a commanding lead of 356 runs. However, India's strong response in the second innings, led by Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Sarfaraz Khan, shows the hosts still have plenty of fight left.
India vs. New Zealand: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Lead India's Response in First Test
In the ongoing first Test match between India and New Zealand in Kanpur, the hosts have mounted a spirited comeback after New Zealand took a substantial first-innings lead. Led by a strong performance from their top order, India is currently trailing by 356 runs but has shown promising signs of fighting back.
New Zealand's Strong Start
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first, and their openers Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee put on a 151-run partnership for the first wicket. Ravindra scored a magnificent 182 runs, while Southee contributed with 77. The middle order chipped in with valuable knocks, including Henry Nicholls' 44 and Tom Latham's 36, to help New Zealand post a formidable total of 372 runs.
India's Response
India's opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal got the team off to a solid start, putting on 76 runs for the first wicket. Sharma scored a gritty 78 runs, while Agarwal chipped in with 28. Virat Kohli then joined Sharma at the crease and the duo stitched together a crucial partnership of 149 runs for the third wicket. Kohli scored a composed 84 runs, while Sharma continued his impressive knock and remained unbeaten on 112 runs at the close of play on Day 3.
India's Fightback
With Sharma and Kohli leading the charge, India has shown great resilience in their second innings. Sarfaraz Khan has also played a crucial role, scoring a quickfire 25 runs to keep the scoreboard ticking. However, India still needs 125 runs to level the match and faces an uphill task to chase down New Zealand's mammoth lead.
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Conclusion
The first Test between India and New Zealand has been a thrilling contest so far, with both teams showing their strengths and weaknesses. India's fightback, led by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, has given them a glimmer of hope, but New Zealand remains in a strong position to win the match. The outcome of the Test will depend on the performances of both teams over the next two days.
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