After losing first two Tests, India is determined to secure a win in the third and final Test against New Zealand, despite New Zealand’s lead of 143 runs with one wicket remaining at stumps on Day 2 in the ICC World Test Championship series.
The Indian team is aiming to avoid a series whitewash and gain crucial points in the World Test Championship standings.
On a challenging pitch, India’s top scorer from the first innings, Shubman Gill, remains optimistic about the chase, believing that a solid partnership could make the difference in pursuing a target around 150-160 runs.
Gill was instrumental in India’s innings, scoring 90 off 146 balls, and his efforts, alongside Rishabh Pant’s, established an early advantage for India. The duo added a brisk 96 runs in just 114 deliveries at the start of Day 2, applying pressure on New Zealand’s bowlers and demonstrating India’s intent to compete aggressively.
Gill highlighted the importance of establishing a key partnership in the second innings to deflate the opposition’s confidence. He noted that even a stand of 70-80 runs could turn the match in India’s favor, as it did during their initial push on Day 2. The Indian batter emphasized that such partnerships have a psychological effect on the fielding side, impacting their body language and energy.
Looking ahead, Gill explained the Indian team’s strategic approach, which involves calculated risks and individual game plans aligned with the team’s objectives. Each player is encouraged to tailor their approach to suit the pitch conditions, maximizing run-scoring opportunities while minimizing risks.
This Test remains significant for India, not only as a chance to avoid a whitewash but also for the valuable World Test Championship points it could yield. Although New Zealand has already clinched the series, these points are crucial as India continues its journey in the Championship, aiming to secure a spot in the finals. For Gill and the Indian team, every match is critical, and they approach each one with full intensity, knowing its potential impact on their overall standing.
India now stands poised to make a strong push, with a focused batting strategy and a determination to capitalize on any scoring opportunities that arise. The team’s resolve to end the series on a positive note remains high, making this final match a crucial showdown in their World Test Championship campaign.
