Mumbai: New Zealand drew their three-day practice match against Ranji Trophy champions at Feroz Shah Kotla in the capital on Sunday. Luke Ronchi, who is back up wicketkeeper to incumbent Bradley John Watling scored a counter attacking hundred to make his case for the first Test at Kanpur. Ronchi scored 107 in the second innings.
Ronchi’s racy 107-run knock was the highlight of the New Zealand second innings which ended at 235 all out in 66.4 overs on the third and final day, providing the visiting side more batting practice ahead of the first Test beginning in Kanpur on September 22.
Mumbai, starting the day at 431 for five, batted for 11 overs before declaring at 464 for eight to end up with a 140-run first innings lead. Siddhesh Lad, who was overnight on 86, went on to complete his hundred off 99 balls and remained unbeaten.
NZ’s main priority in the second innings was to give time to the batsman who fell early or could not bat in the first innings. Martin Guptill and Henry Nicholls were the only batsman who batted in both innings without a major contribution.
The day three pitch did not deteriorate as expected but was challenging and tested the Black Caps. Mumbai opened with pace-spin combination and gave a good account of them. Guptill, who is under pressure to retain his place, had a miserable outing as he scored a duck. Mumbai slow left arm bowler Vishsal Dabholkar got the prized wicket. Guptill was caught at first slip.
With Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and Latham among the runs in the first innings, left-arm spinner Mitchell Santer came out to bat at number three but he soon departed after being stumped off Lad’s bowling, leaving the visitors at 62 for 2 lunch in 15 overs.
One of the few times the pitch raised alarm bells was when southpaw Henry Nicholls was caught behind off left-arm-spinner Gohil, on a ball that rose sharply and the wicket-keeper collected it well above the waist height.
Ronchi batted with class and played shots all around the wicket. Ronchi played fearless cricket and it creates a selection dilemma ahead of Kanpur Test.
He was literally dealing in boundaries as he hammered 12 fours on way to completing 50 runs off 57 balls. He clobbered three sixes and as many fours in the second half of his innings.
As he punished the bowlers, wickets kept falling at the other end and by the time he was stumped after scoring a sublime hundred, New Zealand were left at a precarious 162 for six, just 22 ahead of Mumbai with more than a session remaining in the day.
However, BJ Watling (43) and Latham (25) calmed nerves in the dressing room after resuming from the tea break at 187 for six in 49 overs. They shared a 55-run stand to guide the team to safety. The game ended before the stipulated time when Ish Sodhi mishit to be caught at mid-on.
Kane Williamson had a challenging match and would be reasonably happy with the outcome of the match. NZ will face a much better and fancied Indian side and it would be a huge upset if the topple the hosts in their own backyard. Kiwis are a resilient side and they would to improve their ranking and like to give better account of themselves in the three match series.
Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble would have watched the match and must be confident of their chances against an inexperienced squad. India would like to regain the No.1 ranking by winning the series handsomely and start the long home season on a winning note.
Brief scores: New Zealand 324/7 decl and 235 all out in 66.4 overs (Ronchi 107, Watling 43; Valsangkar 3/41) drew Mumbai 464/8 decl in 114 overs.