Former Indian opener, Aakash Chopra reckons that the Kiwis will be under more pressure than n India despite having posted 101 for 2 after bowling Virat Kohli and his men for 217 on Day 3 of the World Test Championship final in Southampton. Aakash Chopra said New Zealand needs a lead of around 150 runs if they want to stand a chance after having opted to bowl first in the historic one-off final at the Ageas Bowl.

Aakash Chopra said New Zealand will know they are not out of the woods yet despite a dominant performance with both the bat and the ball on Day 3. After the play was abandoned without a ball bowled on Day 1, India managed to come up with a fine batting show with their skipper Kohli leading from the front on Saturday. On a stop-start day, India managed to focus and headed to Stumps on 146 for 3. However, Jamieson ran through the Indian batting unit with figures of 5 for 31.

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In response, India did not manage to find as much swing as the Kiwi pacers but kept the run flow in check. However, openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham added 70 runs before R Ashwin dismissing the latter in the 35th over. Captain Kane Williamson offered good support to Conway, who got to his 3rd fifty-plus score in Tests.

Describing the same during a chat on Star Sports, Aakash Chopra said, “They (New Zealand) also have to look at where India were. They were 146 for 3, two set batsmen but come next morning, it’s a different world altogether. The ball is moving again, you find the edges, India’s tail hasn’t wagged, the middle-order has collapsed and you haven’t reached where you wanted to reach. Similar things can unfold tomorrow as well.”

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He further elaborated, “So from a New Zealand point of view, they know they are not out of the woods at all. Keep in mind, the moment you bowl first, you have to bat last and you have to bat the opposition out. So a 30-40 run lead is insignificant. You have to take at least a 150-run lead to make a match of it, seal the advantage of bowling first. I actually feel there is more pressure on New Zealand as compared to India. India will be backing themselves.”