New Zealand have broken a 12-year record as they took a 299-run lead against India at Lunch on Day 3 of the Bengaluru Test on October 18, Friday. Rachin Ravindra hit a magnificent hundred while Tim Southee was at his destructive best as match continued to slip away from India.
After being bundled out for their lowest total at home, India were on the backfoot as they started Day 3 and were hoping for some quick wickets. Mohammed Siraj provided the first breakthrough of the day in the form of Daryl Mitchell. Jasprit Bumrah would then dismiss Tom Blundell as India looked to be clawing their way back into the game. Rachin continued to tickle along well but started losing support from the other end with Jadeja picking up Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry.
Southee would then provide some big support from the other end as he was able to negate the Indian spinners, allowing Rachin to start playing his shots. Southee would hit 3 fours and 3 sixes to remain unbeaten on 49 off 50 balls, while Rachin got to his 2nd hundred in quick time.
A total of 58 runs was conceded by the Indian bowlers in the last 4 overs of the session as New Zealand went into lunch at 345/7.
With the lead touching almost 300, New Zealand would break a 12-year record with their batting onslaught. This was the first time since 2012 that India conceded a lead of over 200 in a Test match. The last time they did it was against England, when they had taken a 207-run lead at the Eden Gardens.
This was also the first time since January 2012 that a team other than England has taken a 200-run lead against India.
