Cheteshwar Pujara struck his eighth Test century as India set New Zealand an improbable target of 475 to win the third Test in Indore. Pujara finally managed to register three figures – he has been dismissed thrice after scoring half-centuries in this series.
It was an innings of two halves by the 28-year-old Test specialist. His first 50 runs had taken him 96 balls, while he hit the next 50 in just 49, as India went for the quick runs on day four. He was unbeaten on 101 when Virat Kohli declared the innings, which meant Pujara has 373 runs to show for the series at an average of 74.60, the highest run-aggregate among both teams so far.
There were some questions raised whether India had delayed their declaration for too long to allow Pujara to reach the milestone. With the track being on the slower side but not really helping the spinners, there was the fear that New Zealand will be able to bat out for a draw. However, given the way Raichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have bowled in this Test, 135 overs should be more than enough for India to bowl their opponents out. If they can't, it would be India's fault, not Pujara's.
At tea on day four, New Zealand are already a wicket down, at 38/1, still trailing by 436. India need nine more wickets to register a whitewash.
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