India scripts highest run-chase at Bengaluru

When MS Dhoni hit the winning 6 and Virat Kohli punched in the air to reach his 50, they had managed to script the highest run chase ever made in Bangalore’s Chinnaswamy stadium. The last highest successful chase was against Australia on 9th Oct 2012 where India had chased a target of 207 runs.

Zaheer Khan began day 4 by taking the last wicket of New Zealander Jeetan Patel and India was set a target of 261 runs to win the test match. Sehwag and Gambhir came in to begin the run chase and were off to a flier, which was much needed and they crossed their 50 runs opening wicket partnership in no time. With 77 runs on board, Sehwag fell, and soon Gambhir went too, leaving the score to be at 83 for 2. Cheteshwar Pujara and Sachin Tendulkar looked to build on the platform set up by the openers and they did just that and both were looking solid. Cheteshwar Pujara started opening up. They were timing the ball well and Sachin scored a few boundaries with ease.

Rain interrupted the game and early tea was taken, but when the play resumed after an extended tea break, Tendulkar was the 1st to depart having scored 27 in just 34 balls and it was the same story as another wicket fell quickly in the form of Pujara. Sachin-Pujara had added on 90 runs which was very crucial before falling to good deliveries.

Surest Raina appeared as a visitor at the crease and then it was left for Virat Kohli and skipper Dhoni to let their bat do the talking. Virat began in his natural self, taking time to settle down. But when he got a good look in, he played a variety of shots and did not let the bowler get hold over him at any stage. Dhoni too was in his own form playing shots when required and rotating strikes with ease. Runs were flying from their bats and there was no looking back. History was going to be made and Virat Kohli reached his fifty in no time as MS Dhoni finished off with a four and a six, being not out at 48 runs as India won the test match (and series) by 5 wickets inside 4 days time.

Virat Kohli earned himself the man of the match award for scoring 100 and 50 in the 1st and 2nd innings of this Test match.

R Ashwin ended the series with a tally of 18 wickets, claiming the Man of the series award.