India Sets Sights on Record-Breaking 359-Run Chase Against New Zealand in Pune Test

India faces an uphill battle with a target of 359 runs to chase after New Zealand’s gritty second innings ended at 255, setting up a challenging fourth-inning pursuit on Day 3 of the Pune Test.

Ravindra Jadeja found his form in the morning session, breaking his wicketless spell to claim three critical wickets that kept India’s hopes alive. Despite Jadeja’s breakthroughs, New Zealand managed to extend their lead significantly, thanks in large part to an aggressive late-order surge by Glenn Phillips, who added vital runs down the order.

The day began on a pitch that had visibly deteriorated, with expanding cracks and rough patches that made play difficult for both sides. Anticipation for spin domination proved correct, as Jadeja delivered by claiming his first wicket of the Test, dismissing Tom Blundell for 41 after expertly using the pitch’s rough areas. Jadeja’s slowed-down deliveries caught Blundell off guard, allowing for grip and turn, while further success followed as Mitchell Santner was caught at long-on by Bumrah, and Ajaz Patel was taken in the deep by Washington Sundar.

Ashwin provided valuable support by using varied angles to challenge the New Zealand batsmen, eventually outsmarting Tim Southee, who edged a ball to Rohit Sharma at slip. Together, the spin duo temporarily slowed New Zealand’s momentum, though Phillips remained defiant, attacking wide balls and hitting boundaries to further unsettle India.

By the time Phillips ran out of partners, New Zealand had secured a daunting lead of 358, making India’s task one of their hardest fourth-innings chases in recent memory. Only once has India successfully chased over 300 in the fourth innings at home, when they bested England in Chennai in 2008. Meeting or surpassing that mark will be essential to leveling the series.

India’s batsmen now confront a pitch with unpredictable bounce and sharp spin, conditions that have so far favored New Zealand’s strategy. Players like Phillips and Tom Latham had great success using sweeps and reverse sweeps to counter Indian spinners, a technique not commonly seen from India’s current lineup.

As the fourth innings unfolds, India will need to adjust their approach and may even consider employing the sweep shot to tackle New Zealand’s spin attack, led by Santner. Beyond technique, this innings will be a true test of the team’s composure and mental strength on a spin-friendly surface. A steady performance from the top order, and perhaps a spark of brilliance, will be essential if India is to prevent New Zealand from sealing a memorable victory.