New Zealand need 107 for first Test win in India since 1988

BENGALURU, India, Oct 19 (AFP): New Zealand hit back after smashing knocks by India's Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant on a rain-hit day four of the first Test on Saturday, with the tourists needing 107 for victory.

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

New Zealand skipper Tom Latham and Devon Conway came out to bat but only four balls were bowled and no runs were scored before bad light forced the players off, a heavy downpour began and stumps were called.

"I wouldn't say it's an easy wicket here. Obviously we've got a world-class team going up against us," O'Rourke said.

"I think we've got to be confident going out there tomorrow and hopefully for the crowd's sake the rain stays away and we get the chance to have a crack at the total."

New Zealand will attempt on Sunday's final day to wrap up their first victory over India since 1988. The Black Caps have won just two Tests in India, including one in 1969.

The lowest target ever defended successfully in a Test by India was 107 against Australia at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium in 2004.

Rain also interrupted play towards the end of the first session, with around two hours lost on an action-packed day.

Sarfaraz, who struck 150, and the left-handed Pant, who hit 99, put on 177 runs for the fourth wicket to overhaul India's big deficit of 356 before the second new ball did the trick for the Black Caps.

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