New Zealand set India 147-run target to win 3rd Test
Day 3 Report: India trail by 146 runs at stumps
Another failure for India's top order
The Indian cricket team is facing an uphill task of chasing down a target of 147 runs to win the third Test against New Zealand after being set a target of 147 runs to win the third Test at Eden Park on Tuesday, February 28.
India was bowled out for 217 in their first innings, with only Ravindra Jadeja (50) and Shreyas Iyer (49) offering any resistance. New Zealand then declared their second innings at 105 for 4, setting India a target of 147.
India's chase got off to a poor start as they lost both their openers, Mayank Agarwal (0) and Shubman Gill (14), inside the first five overs. Pujara (26) and Hanuma Vihari (12) added 41 runs for the third wicket, but both batsmen fell in quick succession after lunch.
Rishabh Pant (18) and Axar Patel (14) also failed to make any significant contributions as India slumped to 91 for 6. Jadeja (26 not out) and Ashwin (14 not out) then added 56 runs for the seventh wicket to bring India back into the contest.
However, Jadeja fell on the stroke of stumps to leave India needing another 146 runs to win with four wickets remaining. New Zealand will be confident of wrapping up the match on day four and taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Can India chase down the target?
India will need to bat out of their skins to chase down the target of 147. They have lost their top order cheaply, and they will need their middle order to step up. Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant are key men for India, and they will need to play big innings if India is to have any chance of winning.
What are New Zealand's chances of winning?
New Zealand are in a strong position to win the match. They have a lead of 146 runs, and they have four wickets in hand. India will need to bat out of their skins to chase down the target, and New Zealand will be confident of wrapping up the match on day four.
What are the key battles in the match?
The key battles in the match are likely to be:
- The battle between India's top order and New Zealand's new-ball bowlers
- The battle between India's middle order and New Zealand's spinners
- The battle between India's bowlers and New Zealand's lower order
The outcome of these battles will likely determine the outcome of the match.
