India closed their second innings at 234/7 on the fourth day, setting New Zealand a target of 280. The Kiwis ended the day at 4/1, meaning they have a mountain to climb on the final day—especially since no international side has ever chased over 276 runs in a fourth innings in India. In the closing moments of the day, Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Will Young for 1, a wicket that allowed him to equal Harbhajan Singh's legendary tally of 417 Test wickets.
India declared their second innings at 234/7 on Day 4. The Kiwis, who ended the fourth day at 4/1, needs 280 runs on final day to win. No international team has chased more than 276 runs in the fourth innings in Tests on Indian soil. Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed the Kiwis’ opener Will Young (1) just minutes before the stumps. Ashwin equaled Harbhajan Singh’s record of 417 Test wickets.
Shreyas Iyer impressed with an aggressive 65, becoming the first Indian debutant in Test history to hit both a hundred and a fifty in the same match. Wriddhiman Saha also played a gritty knock under pressure; having previously suffered a neck injury during the first innings, his unbeaten 61 was a testament to his toughness and spirit.
The stability India needed came from Ashwin (32) and Axar Patel (28*), whose contributions put the hosts in a commanding position. This lower-order resilience was vital, as the top and middle order collapsed early. New Zealand's bowling attack was lethal in the first session, leaving India reeling at 51/5, thanks to the consistent pressure applied by pace duo Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson.
Saha and Axar combined for a vital 67-run partnership that significantly padded India's total. Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane's slump in form persisted as he was trapped LBW by Ajaz Patel for only 4 runs. Ravindra Jadeja fell for a duck to Southee, and Jamieson eventually bowled out Ashwin, who had been looking comfortable at the crease.
Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson were the standout bowlers for New Zealand with three wickets apiece, while Ajaz Patel claimed one. Now, Indian supporters are hopeful that the team can maintain this pressure and secure a decisive win.