India vs New Zealand 3rd Test Day 2: In a thrilling second day of the third Test between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium, Ravindra Jadeja’s magic with the ball brought India tantalizingly close to clinching victory. At stumps, New Zealand struggled at 171/9, holding onto a slender lead of 143 runs, with their last wicket pair desperately fighting to extend the innings.
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Let’s have a look into more details : India vs New Zealand 3rd Test Day 2
India’s Aggressive Start with the Bat
Resuming the day on 86/4, India found itself in an uphill battle with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant at the crease. The duo set the tone for the morning session, hammering a 96- run partnership that brought the crowd to its feet. Pant, in particular, showed his aggressive intent, racing to a 50 in just 36 balls with a flurry of boundaries. Gill complemented Pant with composed yet assertive strokes, reaching his half-century off 66 balls. Their partnership offered India a temporary advantage, reducing the deficit below 100 runs.
However, after drinks, New Zealand’s spinners tightened their grip. Ish Sodhi trapped Pant for 60, while Shubman Gill fell agonizingly short of his century at 90, as Ajaz Patel continued his fiery spell. Patel eventually completed a five wicket haul, dismissing India for 263 and limiting their lead to just 28 runs. Washington Sundar’s late cameo of 38 off 36 balls helped India inch closer to a respectable total, but the pitch’s turn and bounce hinted at the troubles New Zealand would soon face.
New Zealand’s 50 Run Stand and Jadeja’s Intervention
In response, New Zealand openers Devon Conway and Will Young took cautious strides, facing India’s spinners on a highly unpredictable pitch. They managed to keep New Zealand steady until Tea, reaching 26/1 with a slight two run deficit. After Tea, Daryl Mitchell and Young stitched together a gritty 50-run partnership that pushed New Zealand’s lead over 50, giving hope to their side.
But it was Ravindra Jadeja who had other plans. He broke the partnership with an absolute beauty, dismissing Mitchell thanks to a sharp catch from Ravichandran Ashwin. From then on, it was all India as Jadeja and Ashwin unleashed a spinning frenzy, dismantling New Zealand’s batting lineup. Jadeja scalped crucial wickets, including Tom Blundell and Matt Henry, in quick succession to finish the day with figures of 4/34.
Ashwin Joins the Party
Ashwin, though slightly overshadowed by Jadeja, played a vital role in India’s spin assault. He trapped Rachin Ravindra and kept the pressure high on New Zealand’s middle order. His carrom ball worked wonders as he sent back Will Young, who was the top scorer with a hard-fought 50. Young’s departure left New Zealand reeling, with their lead just crossing the 120 run mark. Ashwin’s impressive spell ensured that India stayed in firm control, giving the Kiwi batters no breathing room.
Key Highlights
- Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill’s Explosive Partnership: Their 96-run stand off 114 balls set India up for a solid morning.
- Ajaz Patel’s Five Wicket Haul: Patel kept New Zealand in the hunt by limiting India’s lead, finishing with impressive figures.
- Jadeja’s Four Wicket Spell: His late-day heroics reduced New Zealand to their last wicket, tilting the match heavily in India’s favor.
- Ashwin’s Key Breakthroughs: Ashwin’s variations kept the pressure on, claiming key wickets including Young’s vital half century.
The Stage is Set for Day 3
The pitch at Wankhede is showing considerable turn and bounce, promising more excitement on Day 3. With only one wicket left, New Zealand’s hopes rest on a miraculous last wicket stand. However, with the Indian spinners in top form, a quick finish could be on the cards. For India, the challenge lies in chasing down a potentially tricky total in these difficult batting conditions. If they succeed, it will mark a significant victory, underscoring their dominance in home conditions.
With New Zealand clinging to a narrow lead, Day 3 promises to be a dramatic conclusion to this gripping Test. India’s spinners, Jadeja and Ashwin, have once again demonstrated their prowess, and if India’s batters can hold their nerve in the fourth innings, a memorable victory could be in sight.
FAQs
Who scored the highest for India on Day 2?
Shubman Gill top scored with 90 runs
What was New Zealand’s score at the end of Day 2?
New Zealand was 171/9, leading by 143 runs at stumps
