IND vs NZ 1st Test, Bengaluru: Will rain force draw on day 5?

IND vs NZ 1st Test: As the first Test between India and New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru heads into its final day, all three outcomes—an Indian win, a New Zealand victory, or a draw—are still on the table. However, with the weather forecast looking ominous, will rain disrupt play on Day 5? Here's a look at the latest weather report.

Rain threat looms over day 5

After the opening day of the Test was completely washed out due to rain, the weather has mostly stayed clear, allowing both teams to fight for control. However, with rain predicted once again, fans are concerned whether the weather will play a decisive role in the final result of the match. According to Accuweather, heavy rain is expected in Bengaluru throughout the day, which could impact the final day's play.

New Zealand in control after India's collapse

In the first innings, India had a disastrous start, managing only 46 runs, with five Indian batters getting dismissed for ducks. Only two batters crossed the 10-run mark, and Matt Henry wreaked havoc, claiming five wickets, while William O'Rourke took four.

New Zealand’s openers laid a strong foundation with a 67-run partnership. Although Tom Latham was dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav for 15, Devon Conway batted superbly, building a 75-run partnership with Will Young. Despite a middle-order collapse, Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee revived New Zealand’s innings with a crucial 137-run stand for the eighth wicket. Rachin reached his maiden Test century, while Southee added a valuable half-century, propelling New Zealand to 402 runs in their first innings.

India fights back in the second innings

In response, India’s openers, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, gave their team a steady start with a 72-run opening partnership. However, both were removed by Ajaz Patel, after which Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan steadied the innings with a 136-run stand for the third wicket. Kohli was dismissed for 70 on the final ball of Day 3, but Sarfaraz and Rishabh Pant took charge on Day 4.

Sarfaraz reached his maiden Test century, while Pant narrowly missed his, falling for 99. New Zealand pacers, armed with the second new ball, troubled India’s lower order, but the hosts managed to post a strong total of 462, securing a lead of 107 runs.

Bengaluru weather forecast for day 5

Unfortunately, weather forecasts indicate that Bengaluru could see heavy rain on Day 5. Temperatures are expected to hover between 22°C and 27°C, with gloomy skies and 100% cloud cover. Thunderstorms are predicted between 9-10 AM, and the start of play could be delayed until 3 PM IST. Humidity levels are also expected to be high, between 60-70%, further raising concerns of a washout.

Whether rain will ultimately prevent a decisive result remains to be seen, but with the weather looking uncertain, both teams will need to make the most of any playing time that remains.