To Survive 52 Balls On Day 5 Was Commendable: Tendulkar Hails New Zealand

Sachin Tendulkar praises excellent performance by tail-enders on Day 5 of 1st India-New Zealand Test

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar commends India and New Zealand for their continuous courage in the first Test at Kanpur. The battle between the two teams moved down to the line before finally being concluded as a draw.

On Tuesday, the New Zealand team’s last pair of Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel for succeeded to survive on Day 5 of the opening Test match against India to survive with a draw. Ravindra and Patel played 52 balls to rescue his team at the end to save the match.

Rachin Ravindra 18 runs off of 91 deliveries and Ajaz Patel 2 runs off 23 balls survived not out towards the finish, enduring the outstanding overs. To do so in the sub-continent, given the status of India’s bowling charge as well, is no simple chore. Former India skipper and batting legend Sachin Tendulkar also applauded New Zealand for their valiant attempt to reject India another win in their home and save the game.

Tendulkar said that it was commendable from New Zealand to last 52 balls on the last day towards the finish. “Both #TeamIndia and #NewZealand had their backs against the wall at various stages of this game and both teams fought hard to come back into the game. To survive 52 balls on the last day of the Test was commendable. This is what makes Test match cricket fascinating. #INDvNZ,” he tweeted.

With nine wickets needed on the final day to win, India led to pick eight of them. While it seemed like the match was definitely going in favor of the hosts, New Zealand deserved a spectacular draw from the clutches of loss. During the last day, Ravichandran Ashwin accomplished another milestone, adding to his distinguished career. With 417 wickets in his hands, he becomes India’s third-highest wicket-taker in Test match cricket.