NZ 0/0 at Stumps (Target 107) | India vs New Zealand Highlights of 1st Test 2024 Day 4: Bad Light, Heavy Rainfall Forces Conclusion to Action on Fourth Day

So the weather has the final say on Day 4! Soon after the play was stopped due to bad light, the heavens opened up and it started to rain heavily. On a day which has seen some breathtaking action with the bat courtesy Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant before the new ball did the trick for New Zealand, with William O'Rourke and Matt Henry taking three wickets each, ending India's second-innings at 462. From 400/3 at one stage, India could manage just 462, losing seven wickets for just 62 runs. India set a target of 107 for New Zealand and the Kiwis would ideally want to start afresh on the fifth day. For India, they would need early wickets to put pressure on the visitors if they have any hope of putting up a fight.

The rain has started to come down heavily and it looks that the game might not resume today. The groundsmen were able to cover most of the ground and they are covering the remaining portion as well. At the moment, it is raining cats and dogs. 

The covers are being brought on and the Indian players have to reluctantly leave the field. These overcast conditions would have been perfect for India to bowl but with the dark clouds forming over the stadium, the umpires were right to stop play. This Test match has not stopped producing any drama! 

Dhruv Jurel has replaced Rishabh Pant as India's wicketkeeper in the fourth innings. New Zealand have started this run chase with skipper Tom Latham and Devon Conway. The clouds are forming over M Chinnaswamy Stadium as well! The light meter is out and the players are walking off as well. India are unhappy that play has stopped due to bad light, with Rohit Sharma trying to convince the umpire that there were two balls remaining in the over. 

OUT! Matt Henry has another wicket with Mohammed Siraj hitting the ball straight to the fielder. India have been bowled out for 462 and the target for New Zealand is 107 to win the first Test and gain a 1-0 series lead. What an effort with the ball it has been from New Zealand, with Matt Henry and William O'Rourke taking three wickets apiece. India's fightback with the bat ends and now, it remains to be seen if they can do something special with ball in hand. Mohammed Siraj c Tim Southee b Matt Henry 0(2)

OUT! Matt Henry has one more wicket and it is that of Jasprit Bumrah, who has to depart for a duck. New Zealand are sensing that they have this game in the bag. India's lead is now 106 and ideally, they'd want it to be around 150.

OUT! Matt Henry has dismissed Ravi Ashwin and it gets tougher for India! The right-hander was struck on his pad and the umpire had no hesitation in raising his finger. Ashwin opted for a DRS but it showed 'umpire's call' and it was curtains for him. India's last recognised batter has been sent back. Ravi Ashwin lbw b Matt Henry 15(24)

India's lead crosses 100 runs! It is an achievement of sorts, says Ravi Shastri on commentary and another 80-odd runs needed here if India are to post a fighting total. 

All eyes are now on Ravi Ashwin as India eye a fighting total on the board. He is playing his shots, knowing that he has to do most of the scoring from here on. New Zealand have taken four wickets in quick time and India will look to set a target of around 170-180 to put up a fight against New Zealand in the fourth innings. 

OUT! William ORourke has struck again and this time, he has dismissed Ravindra Jadeja! It is his third wicket of the day and New Zealand are right on top here! Jadeja tried to pull the short ball but hit it straight to Will Young. India slide into further trouble with New Zealand making a great comeback. Ravindra Jadeja c Will Young b William ORourke 5(15)

Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin are out in the middle, as they look to take India to a fighting score in this contest. With an 82-run lead, India are effectively 82/6 at this stage and these two and others will hope to add atleast 100 runs from here to have something to bowl at in the last innings. 

That would be tea on Day 4! What a day it has been so far with India continuing their fine batting performance so far with Sarfaraz Khan scoring a century and Rishabh Pant missing his by just one run. William ORourke struck twice in a space of minutes to peg India bag again and it is game on again! 

OUT! KL Rahul has to depart with Tom Blundell taking the catch. William ORourke has struck again in a span of few minutes and he has once again brought New Zealand back into the game. KL Rahul c Tom Blundell b William ORourke 12(16) 

OUT! Rishabh Pant has been dismissed on 99 and it is heartbreaking for him as well as the fans present at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium! William ORourke came around the wicket and Rishabh Pant, cramped for room, ended up edging the ball onto the stumps! The whole ground has been silenced but what a knock it has been! Rishabh Pant b William ORourke 99(105)

OUT! And Tim Southee breaks the partnership! Sarfaraz Khan goes for an expansive shot on the off-side and was caught by Ajaz Patel at cover. This brings an end to a splendid innings and he walks out to a huge applause from the fans. Sarfaraz Khan c Ajaz Patel b Tim  Southee 150(195) 

150 for Sarfaraz Khan! The right-hander's knock continues to get better and now, he will be eyeing a double hundred here. It has been a splendid performance and he has made the most of the opportunity received with Shubman Gill injured. 

India continue to be on the charge and now, it will be interesting to see how New Zealand respond from here. Both Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan have played audacious cricket and anything loose has been dealt with accordingly by these two. India would ideally want to bat the remainder of Day 4 and score as many runs possible to have a shot and potentially bowling out New Zealand on the last day. 

There's a lot of entertainment at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium with Rishabh Pant batting with a lot of innovation as well as determination here. Very few would have predicted this sort of a response after being all out for 46 in the first innings but this Indian team is special. New Zealand are under pressure now. 

India have now erased New Zealand's lead and how! Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan have continued the good batting performance from the third day and now, they have a lead in this match. Now, the target would be to score as many runs as quickly to make up for the lost time. 

Rishabh Pant has started off on a high, smashing Rachin Ravindra for a huge six in the first over after play resumed. India now trail New Zealand by just six runs.