Day 3 of the third and deciding Test match between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is heating up, with India needing 55 more runs to secure a series win. Chasing a target of 147 runs, India ended the first session at 92/6 after a rocky start, with Rishabh Pant standing firm at 53 not out off 50 balls and Washington Sundar providing valuable support with 6 off 8 balls*.

The match has been a rollercoaster, with Ravindra Jadeja shining for India as he wrapped up New Zealand's second innings at 174, completing an impressive 10-wicket haul for the match. Jadeja’s five wickets in each innings highlighted his skill and consistency on a turning track, a remarkable achievement that helped restrict New Zealand and set a manageable target for India.

However, India’s chase didn’t begin smoothly. Ajaz Patel dismantled the Indian batting order with his sharp left-arm spin, taking 4 wickets in just 10 overs. His strikes put India under pressure, reducing them to 92/6 by lunchtime. Despite losing six wickets, Pant’s half-century has given India hope. His innings, marked by aggressive boundaries, came off just 48 balls and included some elegant shots off Patel's deliveries.

Pant’s partnership with Sundar is now crucial, as India requires steady hands to navigate the final leg of the chase. The match has been a test of patience, resilience, and strategic bowling on both sides. Pant's quick-fire fifty has bolstered India’s chances of clinching this victory, although the New Zealand bowlers, especially Patel, remain a threat.

As the game resumes after lunch, Indian fans will be hoping Pant and Sundar can finish the job. If successful, India will seal a memorable Test win and series triumph, setting the tone for upcoming matches on home soil. New Zealand, on the other hand, is just a few quick wickets away from a historic victory.

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