NZ vs AUS After taking a 4-62 haul, Australian captain Pat Cummins led the visitors to dismiss the Black Caps for 372 in their second innings after tea, extending their lead in the two-match series to 1-0 following their victory in Wellington last week.
NZ vs AUS
Despite leading by 202 runs with 6 wickets still intact,NZ vs AUS 2nd Test, Australia found themselves under pressure at the close of day three in Christchurch. New Zealand‘s bowlers rallied late in the day, injecting momentum back into the contest that bring Awesome.
With a commanding lead already secured in Wellington, Australia, led by Pat Cummins’ 4-62 bowling performance, dismissed the Black Caps for 372 in their second innings. However, the visitors still require 202 runs for victory with only six wickets remaining, setting up a thrilling finish in Christchurch.
The second Test in Christchurch hangs in the balance after a dramatic day three. Australia, needing 202 runs to win with six wickets remaining, saw their chase complicated by a late burst of bowling brilliance from New Zealand.
Earlier, Pat Cummins spearheaded the bowling attack, taking 4-62 to dismiss the Black Caps for 372 in their second innings. This extended Australia’s lead in the two-match series (already 1-0 up after Wellington) but left a challenging target nonetheless.
“Goes down to the wire”
The Black Caps’ second innings saw several batsmen get off to a strong start, but their inability to convert those into centuries left the initiative firmly with Australia. Cummins struck early, dismissing Latham for 73 after a review, adding only 21 runs to their overnight score of 134-2.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the final session. Home seamers Matt Henry and debutant Ben Sears ripped through the Australian top order, dismissing key batsmen Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, and Cameron Green cheaply.
Despite the setbacks, Australia managed to reach 77-4 before stumps. Mitchell Marsh (27*) and Travis Head (17*) will be crucial figures on day four as they attempt to chase down the remaining 202 runs and secure victory.
Day three of the second Test in Christchurch unfolded like a gripping thriller. A valiant 123-run stand between Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell propelled New Zealand’s lead to a promising 184. However, their momentum was shattered by a double-blow. First, an outside edge saw Mitchell depart for 58 thanks to Josh Hazlewood’s brilliance. Then, Pat Cummins, replicating his heroics from the previous day, dismissed a dangerous Ravindra for 82 with the very first ball of his new spell.
Australia continued to claw their way back. A sharp catch by Marnus Labuschagne sent Tom Blundell packing for just 9 runs off Cameron Green’s opening delivery in his new spell. A dropped catch by Labuschagne, however, offered Scott Kuggeleijn a second life. He capitalized on the opportunity, stitching together a 53-run partnership with Glenn Phillips. But their resistance was short-lived as Nathan Lyon, the master spinner, sent both packing with the first ball of their respective new spells – Phillips for 16 and Kuggeleijn for 44.
New Zealand crumbled in the face of this relentless Aussie attack, losing their last three wickets for just a single run. While they’ll be disappointed not to have set a target exceeding 300, their final score of 372 leaves the match hanging by a thread. Australia, needing 202 for victory with six wickets remaining, faces a tense battle on day four.