Despite India being on top for the majority of the Kanpur Test, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was a content man after his side managed to eke out a draw on Day 5. After the Blackcaps denied India a victory on Monday, Williamson was full of praise for debutant Rachin Ravindra and Kiwi pacers Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson.
Rachin, who made his debut in the first Test against India in Kanpur on Monday, teamed up with No. 11 batsman Ajaz Patel to resist tremendous pressure and help New Zealand force a hard-fought draw. New Zealand collapsed to 155 for 9 on the last day, chasing a target of 284 for victory, thanks to a brilliant bowling effort from R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
With over nine overs remaining, India was pushing for victory in the dim light. Ravindra and Patel, on the other hand, had other ideas, as the Kiwi partnership established a last-wicket stand to deny India and lead New Zealand to 165 for 9 when play was interrupted due to bad light. Ravindra faced 91 balls for his 18 not out, while Patel was undefeated on two balls after facing 23.
“It has been touch and goes around this time throughout this Test. The Indian side is a formidable one, they were on top for a large part, but we hung around. All three results were in play but we fought hard and showed the fight on the last day,” Williamson said in the post-match presentation ceremony after New Zealand earned a hard-fought draw on Day 5. The second and final Test starts in Mumbai on Friday.