IND v NZ 2024: "Wouldn't say it's an easy win…," William O'Rourke wary of 'world class' India despite modest chase of 107

The Kiwis are just 107 runs away from securing their first Test win on Indian soil in 36 years.

William O'Rourke | GettyNew Zealand are just 107 runs away from securing their first Test win on Indian soil in 36 years, but young pacer William O'Rourke warned against complacency despite the seemingly achievable target.

After the game-changing partnership of 177 runs for the fourth wicket between Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99), India’s second innings collapsed like pack of cards on Day 4. The hosts lost their last six wickets for just 54 runs to be bowled out for 462.

O'Rourke and Matt Henry were the wrecker-in-chief with the ball as they claimed three scalps each to bring the Kiwis back in the contest.

"I wouldn't say it's an easy win from here. We've got a world-class team going up against us. But we've got to be confident going out there tomorrow," O'Rourke said in the post-day press conference.

He also hoped that the weather would cooperate, giving them a chance to chase down the target.

"Hopefully, for our sake the rain stays away and we get a chance to have a crack at it," the tall pacer added.

William O'Rourke has enjoyed his maiden India tour so far, mainly due to the pace and bounce offered by the Chinnaswamy surface.

He highlighted the dismissal of Virat Kohli in the first innings, where he got the star batter to jab at a steep bouncer, resulting in a catch to Glenn Phillips at gully.

"It's obviously pretty special getting someone so great, one of the greats of our game, out like that. Obviously, you grow up watching those guys. So, to come here and take that wicket, it's probably right up there," he remarked.

O'Rourke acknowledged the pressure put on the visiting bowlers by the duo of Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant. However, he attributed New Zealand’s comeback in the match to second new ball.

"I've been pretty hot and cold with the ball. Pant and Sarfaraz have batted very well for a long time, but that second new ball started doing a little bit for us.

"So, good to Timmy (Southee) getting that first breakthrough (Sarfaraz) and then lucky enough to get a chop (Pant) there to sort of give us a bit of momentum going through," he noted.

O'Rourke also expressed gratitude towards his mentor, Kyle Jamieson, who is currently recovering from a back stress fracture.

"Kyle's been a bit in the background. So, learning from him and, obviously, he's had a hell of a start to his international career and he's one of the best bowlers in the world," he said.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 20 Oct, 2024

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