OTD: New Zealand eke out thrilling draw in Kanpur Test in 2021

India and New Zealand played a memorable Test in November 2021 at Green Park, Kanpur. After stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bat first, India posted 345 in 111.1 overs. Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja scored half-centuries but Shreyas Iyer was the star performer with his 171-ball 105. Tim Southee was the pick of the bowlers, taking a five-wicket haul.

In reply, the Kiwis got off to a fantastic start as openers Will Young and Tom Latham added a 151-run stand for the first wicket. However, once they were dismissed for 89 and 95, respectively, the rest of the New Zealand batters failed to make a mark. The tourists lost their last eight wickets for just 99 runs. They were bowled out for 296 as Axar Patel bagged a five-for.

India batted watchfully in the second innings, with Shreyas and Wriddhiman Saha scoring half-centuries. The home side declared at 234/7, setting New Zealand a target of 284 in the fourth innings.

New Zealand batted well upfront after Will Young was dismissed cheaply. Nightwatchman William Somerville added 78 runs with Latham for the second wicket. While Somerville departed for 36, Latham went on to score his second fifty in the Test match.

However, the inconsistency on the Day 5 pitch made life difficult for the rest of the New Zealand batters. Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar spun a web around New Zealand, bowling accurately on a pitch that had inconsistent bounce.

Towards the end of the day, New Zealand lost their ninth wicket in the 90th over. Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz had to dig deep and survive 52 deliveries in total to help the Black Caps save the Test match in fading light. Jadeja was the best bowler on show for India but he couldn’t take his team over the line. The match ended in an intriguing draw.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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