India vs New Zealand:Kanpur Test ends in draw

The first Test between India and New Zealand in Kanpur ended in a draw after bad light forced umpires to call early stumps on Day 5.  Debutant Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel were the last New Zealand pair out in the middle as the visitors managed 165-9 at stumps on the final day. In the end, India were able to bowl the mandatory overs but light did not allow them to press for victory by taking that final New Zealand wicket. There was plenty of Kiwi resistance earlier as well with the likes of Tom Latham, William Somerville and Kane Williamson doing their bit to thwart India’s efforts for an opening Test victory.

The day started off with New Zealand requiring 280 runs to win and India needing nine wickets. The Kiwis kicked-off the action on a good note, forcing the hosts to return wicketless in the opening session. India bounced back in the second session as Umesh Yadav dismissed Somerville on 36 in the first ball, courtesy to a brilliant effort by Shubman Gill in fine-leg. The left-handed duo of Rachit Ravindra and Ajaz Patel had the job of playing out around 9 overs to take their team to a draw and much to everyone's surprise, the duo pulled off the unthinkable as light kept deteriorating. The last pair batted for 52 deliveries to deny India a win.