The fourth day of the ongoing first Test between India and New Zealand came to a premature end after poor lighting initially halted play before heavy rain led to early stumps in Bengaluru. Just four balls after New Zealand began their chase of 107, the on-field umpires recorded the reading on the light meter and left the field, as dark clouds hovered over the stadium. The Indian players expressed their disappointment about this. However, rain came which became heavy and brought an early end to the day’s play.

New Zealand were 0/0 after captain Tom Latham survived four deliveries from Jasprit Bumrah, including an lbw appeal. However, the visitors still have plenty of time to chase the total with another full day of play on Sunday.

However, rain could have the final say on the outcome of the match. According to AccuWeather, rain is likely to return on the final day, with the forecast predicting an 80 percent chance of a downpour.

In addition, the sky is likely to be covered with clouds all day. “Partly cloudy with a thunderstorm,” the AccuWeather forecast suggested.

Here is the hourly weather forecast for day 5:

If play cannot take place on day 5, the match will end in a draw. For New Zealand, that result would be a missed opportunity.

While the Indian team would give their 100 percent on Day 5 to force a result, a draw wouldn’t be a bad outcome for them, especially considering the hosts were bowled out for a paltry 46 in the first innings.

New Zealand were rewarded for their patience after Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant battered the bowlers in the first two sessions on Day 4.

Sarfaraz, who hit 150, and the left-handed Pant, who hit 99, put on 177 runs for the fourth wicket to restore India’s large deficit of 356 before the second new ball was enough for the Black Caps.

Sarfaraz, who hit his first ton in four Test appearances, fell shortly after reaching 150 when he was caught at cover by Tim Southee.

O’Rourke denied Pant his century with a delivery from around the wicket that took the edge of the bat and rattled the stumps and then got KL Rahul out for 12 just before tea.

Pant came to bat after resting with a knee injury on Friday.

Fast bowlers Matt Henry and William O’Rourke took three wickets each to smash India for 462 in the final session in Bengaluru.

(With AFP inputs)