India Test: Big Blow For New Zealand
New Zealand's hopes of a comeback in the second Test against India took a major hit on Day 3 in Delhi. The Kiwis, already trailing by a massive 289 runs, suffered a collapse in the second innings, losing six wickets for just 44 runs. This left them with a mountain to climb in their chase of 417 to win.
The Kiwis' downfall started with a terrible run-out, a classic case of bad luck, where they lost their star batter, Kane Williamson, cheaply. It felt like the game slipped away right then and there, with New Zealand failing to establish any partnerships and looking completely out of sorts. The Indian spinners, who were brilliant throughout the match, were ruthless, with their accuracy and control forcing the Kiwi batsmen into making mistakes.
The New Zealand batsmen, who had looked so promising in their first innings, suddenly looked like they were playing on a different planet. The entire team looked deflated and frustrated, which is understandable, considering the daunting task ahead. Their bowlers, who had bowled bravely on the first two days, looked jaded, and their fielding was sloppy.
The only glimmer of hope for the Kiwis is that they have shown some resilience in the past. They've pulled off unbelievable victories in the past, so it's not entirely over yet. But they'll need to bat out of their skin in the final session to pull off another miracle.
This loss, if it happens, will be a massive blow to their confidence and will make it even harder for them to compete in the upcoming series against Australia. It's a tough time for the Kiwis, but they'll need to pick themselves up and regroup quickly if they want to avoid another devastating defeat.