New Zealand dismiss India for 462, need 107 for memorable win

BENGALURU :India were in danger of suffering their first home test loss to New Zealand since 1988, despite Sarfaraz Khan's 150 and Rishabh Pant's 99, when the tourists bowled them out for 462 on the fourth day of their rain-interrupted series opener on Saturday.

Needing 107 to wrap up a memorable victory and humble India again after dismissing them for 46 and making 402 in reply, the Black Caps had yet to score when rain forced play to be called off after Tom Latham and Devon Conway had faced four balls.

Pace bowlers Matt Henry (3-102) and William O'Rourke (3-92) had been carted all over the M Chinnaswamy Stadium by Sarfaraz and Pant earlier in the day, but they scythed through India's tail as the gloom descended on home fans.

Resuming on 231-3, India made light of overcast conditions as Sarfaraz rose to the challenge, taking on New Zealand's fast bowlers with his innovative brand of batting for a blistering 150, while Pant was dismissed shortly before tea.

The duo put on 177 for the fourth wicket, their momentum briefly halted by a spell of rain in the morning, and they wore down the bowlers in bright afternoon sunshine to spark slim hopes of a spectacular comeback victory.

Sarfaraz perished playing a tired shot against Tim Southee while Pant was bowled out by O'Rourke, before a collapse allowed New Zealand to gain the upper hand again after they had rattled the hosts for a first-innings lead of 356.

Sarfaraz's knock was marked by cuts behind the wicketkeeper but it was a thunderous backfoot drive for four that brought him his century and he celebrated like the final sprinter in a gold medal-winning relay team with a lap around the infield.

It was sweet revenge for the Mumbaikar, who was among five players to be dismissed for