India vs New Zealand 3rd Test Day 1: Day 1 of the third Test between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai brought the grit, heat, and drama one expects from a classic Test match. New Zealand, under pressure to avoid a whitewash in this series, were bowled out for 235 runs, thanks to a fighting 82 from Daryl Mitchell and Ravindra Jadeja’s stellar five wicket haul.
However, India’s response was far from ideal, as they stumbled to 86/4 at stumps, with Ajaz Patel’s twin strikes and a critical run out of Virat Kohli disrupting India’s start.
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Let’s have a look into more details: India vs New Zealand 3rd Test Day 1
New Zealand’s Innings: Grit Amidst the Heat
Winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bat first, putting the onus on their batsmen to set a strong foundation. Despite the challenging heat and humidity, New Zealand’s batters showed remarkable resilience.
- Early Wickets and Pressure
India’s pace attack, led by Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep (replacing an ailing Jasprit Bumrah), immediately tested the Kiwi openers. Deep struck early, dismissing Devon Conway in just the fourth over. This early breakthrough set the tone for India’s aggressive bowling. - Will Young’s Grit and Mitchell’s Heroics
Will Young, alongside Daryl Mitchell, held the innings together with a crucial 87-run stand that spanned nearly 150 balls, braving the punishing heat. Young, although dismissed for 50 by Jadeja, provided the stability New Zealand needed. Mitchell, meanwhile, soldiered on, fighting cramps and fatigue to score a gritty 82 off 129 balls, including three sixes and as many fours. - Jadeja’s Breakthrough and Fifer
The third session saw India’s spinners taking control. Jadeja struck thrice, starting with Young’s wicket, and went on to dismiss Ish Sodhi and Matt Henry in quick succession, sealing his 14th Test five-wicket haul. Washington Sundar provided excellent support, picking up the key wicket of Mitchell in the third session to wrap up New Zealand’s innings at 235 in 65.4 overs.
India’s Stuttering Response: Top Order Collapses
India’s reply was off to a confident start, but an action-packed final 15 minutes of play left them reeling at 86/4.
- Promising Start, Shaky Finish
With openers Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal steady at the crease, India looked comfortable at 78/1. However, Ajaz Patel’s introduction proved to be a turning point. Patel dismissed Jaiswal (30), and then trapped nightwatchman Mohammed Siraj for a golden duck. - Kohli’s Run Out Miscommunication
A communication mix-up between Virat Kohli and Gill led to Kohli’s unfortunate run-out for just 4. This dismissal added to the woes of the Indian side, which was suddenly facing a mini-collapse. The frustration was evident as India went from a solid position to 86/4 in a matter of minutes. - Gill and Pant Remain Unbeaten
As Day 1 drew to a close, Gill (31*) and Rishabh Pant (1*) remained at the crease, with India trailing by 149 runs. They will need to steady the innings early on Day 2 to prevent further damage.
Day 2 Expectations
With 149 runs still to cover, India will aim to inch closer to New Zealand’s total without further hiccups. Gill and Pant will need to stay vigilant against Ajaz Patel’s spin. New Zealand, buoyed by their strong bowling performance in the closing minutes of Day 1, will look to capitalize on India’s early struggles to build on their 235 run total.
Key Stats from Day 1
- New Zealand’s Score: 235 in 65.4 overs
- India’s Score: 86/4 in 19 overs at stumps
- Top Scorers: Daryl Mitchell (82), Will Young (50)
- Bowling Highlights: Ravindra Jadeja’s five wicket haul (5/56), Ajaz Patel’s two quick wickets
The intense conditions in Mumbai have truly tested both teams, with fitness, resilience, and skill all in play. With both sides neck and neck, Day 2 promises another thrilling battle at the Wankhede. India will be determined to stabilize and avoid a whitewash, while New Zealand, riding high on a promising start, will seek to pressurize India further.
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