5:15 PM: Match referee David Boon has a chat with Rohit around the balcony. However, nothing is animated. Rohit really seemed to want an extra, chances are this will be discussed. Anyway, that’s all for today. So much rain but also so much action. I hope you enjoyed the coverage. See you tomorrow.

You can view Sidharth Monga’s report here.

Adam: “Do you know what the weather forecast is for tomorrow?” Rain is expected. Check the site for more updates in the coming hours.

Andy: “Somehow rain is always favored for New Zealand – hahaha. Will India make it tomorrow – btw, what are the forecasts for tomorrow?”

Sarfaraz and Pant played like a dream in the morning, but there was a rain break either side of lunch. Sarfaraz achieved his first Test ton, the score was 177 runs strong. But Southee got Sarfaraz and the innings fell apart for India. The new ball was a different beast altogether and Will O’Rourke ensured that India’s lower middle class, who have often saved them, especially at home, couldn’t do it today. A collapse of 54 for 6 set NZ at a target of 107. India bowled all four balls, burning a review in the process. Suffice to say, they went overboard by arguing with the officials about playing in the dark with bad weather before having to settle down and leave the field. That was in fact the right choice, because shortly afterwards it started to rain. (2/2)

4:59 PM: And we’re done! It’s officially over. A day when New Zealand persevered despite pressure. They have won just two Tests in 37, the last of which came in 1988. And they are really well placed to seal the third. The only things that could hamper their prospects tomorrow are rain and/or an inspired bowling performance from India. But they will be happy with their return on a fantastic day where they were pushed close to their limits but a huge lead of 356 left its mark on the Indian batting line-up.(1/2)

4:57 PM: And that thick band of clouds is actually over now, says Ashish. More than 30 seconds later he adds that it is raining heavily. Hosing down, actually. Ian Smith jokes on air that he is getting into his car. Sounds good, even the broadcast microphones pick up some pretty loud rain patterns.

4:50 PM: A thick cloud of clouds above our heads, says Ashish. The referees have the light meter off and they’re off! Rohit and Co are not happy. Long conversation between the umpires and Rohit. Kohli joined in, a few Indian players in the group. But the referees are resolute and it’s not hard to see why. The shadows of the people in the middle have gone out (in multiples, like in limited-overs games, because of the floodlights). The Indian players are waiting in the outfield, but they will have to run away as the camera’s long view shows rain falling in the distance. The covers come out.