New Zealand pacer Will O’Rourke emphasizes that chasing down 107 runs on Day 5 at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru will not be easy. He is also hopeful for clear conditions on the final day. The Kiwis fought hard on Day 4, giving themselves a chance for a significant victory. The hosts were well-placed at 408-3 but then lost seven wickets for just 54 runs.
In a post-match press conference, O’Rourke, who took three wickets, acknowledged the challenge ahead and stressed that they won’t underestimate the target of 107. As he stated, according to PTI:
“I wouldn’t say it’s an easy win from here. We’ve got a world-class team going up against us. But we’ve got to be confident going out there tomorrow. Hopefully, for our sake the rain stays away and we get a chance to have a crack at it.”
The Kiwis dismissed Team India for just 46 on Day 2, establishing a substantial 356-run lead. However, the hosts mounted an impressive comeback, fueled by Sarfaraz Khan’s 150, along with half-centuries from Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant.
“Pant and Sarfaraz have batted exceptionally well for an extended period”- Will O’Rourke
Will O’Rourke stated that the Black Caps’ choice to take the new ball on Day 4 was beneficial for them. The 23-year-old remarked:
“I’ve been pretty hot and cold with the ball. Pant and Sarfaraz have batted very well for a long time, but that second new ball started doing a little bit for us. So, good to Timmy (Southee) getting that first breakthrough (Sarfaraz) and then lucky enough to get a chop-on (Pant) there to sort of give us a bit of momentum going through.”
The Black Caps’ openers faced just four deliveries before the umpires ordered the players off the field due to poor light. If New Zealand wins, it will mark their first Test victory in India since 1988.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
