India vs New Zealand 2nd Test Day 1: India and New Zealand faced off in a gripping first day of the 2nd Test in Pune, where Washington Sundar stole the spotlight with a career best seven wicket haul. Despite New Zealand’s promising start, Sundar’s inspired bowling performance dismantled the Kiwis for 259 in 79.1 overs. At stumps, India reached 16/1 in response, with openers Shubman Gill (10) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (6) unbeaten. The hosts trail by 243 runs as the action resumes on Day 2.
Let’s have a look into more details : India vs New Zealand 2nd Test Day 1
New Zealand’s Steady Start, Conway Shines
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, New Zealand began confidently with openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham navigating through India’s pace attack. Conway, in particular, showcased patience and grit, anchoring the Kiwi innings with a sublime 76 off 141 balls. Latham, however, fell early to Ravichandran Ashwin, trapped LBW for 14, marking the first breakthrough for India.
The Kiwis were cruising at 92/2 at lunch, with Conway and Rachin Ravindra leading the charge. Ravindra, too, played a resilient knock of 65 from 105 deliveries, building vital partnerships with Conway and later Daryl Mitchell. As the Kiwis crossed the 200 run mark, it seemed they were set for a commanding total.
Washington Sundar’s Spin Web Turns the Tide
The match took a dramatic turn in the second session when Washington Sundar was brought into the attack. Sundar’s variations and accuracy paid immediate dividends as he claimed the crucial wicket of Ravindra, ending his 59-run stand with Mitchell. Sundar’s relentless bowling from thereon saw him claim a series of wickets, including Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, and skipper Tim Southee.
Sundar’s standout delivery came when he clean-bowled Ravindra with a turning ball that left the batter stunned. His ability to maintain control while extracting turn from the pitch left the Kiwi middle and lower-order reeling, and by the time the innings wrapped up, Sundar had figures of 7/81, the best of his Test career.
India’s Stuttering Start in Response
India’s chase got off to a shaky start, with skipper Rohit Sharma falling for a nine-ball duck to Tim Southee. A cracking delivery from Southee squared up Rohit, rattling his off stump and setting the tone for New Zealand’s bowling attack.
However, Gill and Jaiswal ensured there were no further casualties as they cautiously played out the remaining overs, finishing the day at 16/1. With a deficit of 243 runs, India will be banking on a solid batting performance on Day 2.
Key Moments
- Washington Sundar’s Stunning Seven-Wicket Haul: Sundar was the star of the day, taking 7 wickets and justifying his selection over Kuldeep Yadav.
- Devon Conway’s Resilient 76: Conway held the innings together, but his dismissal by Ashwin after a promising knock was a crucial turning point.
- Rachin Ravindra’s Solid Knock: The young all rounder added 65 to New Zealand’s total before falling to Sundar.
- India’s Shaky Start: Losing Rohit Sharma early was a blow, but Gill and Jaiswal managed to steady the ship.
India will need a strong batting performance on Day 2 to close the deficit and set the foundation for a competitive total. New Zealand, on the other hand, will look to continue applying pressure with their pace attack and get early breakthroughs. The contest is delicately poised, with both teams eyeing control of this pivotal Test match.
As Day 2 unfolds, India will aim to build on Sundar’s heroics, while New Zealand will look to capitalize on early inroads into India’s batting lineup.
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