MUMBAI, India — Shubman Gill delivered a solid performance for India, remaining not out on 70 runs as the team rebounded from a precarious overnight position of 86-4 to reach 195-5 at lunchtime on the second day of the third Test match against New Zealand on Saturday.

Gill formed a crucial partnership with Rishabh Pant, contributing a remarkable 96 runs off 114 balls for the fifth wicket. Pant himself played a dynamic innings, scoring 60 runs off just 59 deliveries, which significantly aided India’s recovery after a tumultuous end to the first day. India faced a drastic collapse late on day one, plummeting from a comfortable 78-1 to a fragile 84-4 in just seven deliveries.

At the lunch break, Ravindra Jadeja was still at the crease with him at 10 not out, while India found itself trailing by 40 runs. New Zealand had set a first-innings total of 235 runs after choosing to bat first.

New Zealand dominated the series so far, having won the initial two Tests in Bengaluru and Pune by margins of eight wickets and 113 runs respectively, marking their historic first series victory in India.

On Saturday, Pant was fortunate to survive after being dropped by Matt Henry at long off when he was on 53; the opportunity came off Glenn Phillips’ bowling. Gill too had a near miss, as New Zealand’s fielding declined under the intense heat and humidity. Gill eventually reached his seventh half-century in 66 balls.

However, the New Zealand bowlers fought back in the second hour, claiming Pant’s wicket as he was adjudged lbw by Ish Sodhi, a decision that was upheld even after a review, marking India’s sole loss during the morning session.