Team India pacer Jasprit Bumrah provided a perfect start to the final day of the first Test against New Zealand by dismissing Kiwi skipper Tom Latham for a duck. Latham, unable to guide his side through the tricky fourth innings chase of 107, was trapped LBW after a rain-delayed start at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Bumrah had already troubled Latham late on Day 4 before play was called off due to bad light. On the first ball of the final day, Bumrah narrowly missed Latham’s outside edge, setting the tone for what was to come.
Bumrah’s Brilliant Delivery Dismisses Latham
Bumrah followed up his first ball with a delivery that swung and seamed back into Latham, striking him on the front pad, well away from the bat. Umpire Michael Gough instantly raised his finger in response to India’s loud appeal.
Despite Latham opting for a review, the ball-tracking technology confirmed the delivery would hit the middle stump, forcing the New Zealand captain to walk back. This early dismissal left New Zealand in a difficult position as they began the day on the worst possible note.
New Zealand Batters Struggle Under Pressure
Latham’s departure rattled the New Zealand side, and Bumrah, along with Mohammed Siraj, continued to apply pressure with the new ball.
The Indian pacers capitalized on the early breakthrough, making the ball talk and causing problems for Will Young and Devon Conway, who struggled to weather the storm. With the crowd behind them, India’s fast bowlers intensified the pressure, leaving New Zealand on the back foot as they attempted to survive the early onslaught.
New Zealand on the Back Foot After Early Setback
With Latham’s early dismissal, New Zealand found themselves in a precarious position as Bumrah and Siraj exploited the favourable conditions. The Indian bowlers maintained relentless pressure, forcing the Kiwi batters to fight for survival.
As the day progressed, it became evident that New Zealand’s hopes of a successful chase were fading quickly. Bumrah’s early strike not only energized the Indian side but also set the tone for a dominant final day, pushing New Zealand further into a defensive stance and leaving them with an uphill battle to save the Test.
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