India vs. New Zealand 3rd Test day 2 will be hectic for the Indian cricket team at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. They had a promising start, but after a dramatic collapse, they found themselves 149 runs behind with their top order in tatters, on 86/4 at the end of the day.
The Indian side now has Shubman Gill (31 not out) and Rishabh Pant (1 not out) at the other end, under immense pressure to recover from this position and avoid registering a series of whitewash.
Table of Contents
Overview of Day 1
New Zealand opted to bat first after the toss and was off the mark with a victory. Daryl Mitchell (82) and Will Young (71) had combined to post a total of 235 runs.
However, Indian bowlers showed a great effort to restrict New Zealand’s scoring led by Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Sundar (four for 81) and Jadeja (five for 65) combined to take five wickets, claiming his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
However, after a positive start of Indian batting, they scored 78 runs in just one wicket. After that, India collapsed catastrophically with three wickets falling in a row.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, night watchman Mohammed Siraj, and Virat Kohli’s dismissals shifted the momentum back to New Zealand. Former cricketer Anil Kumble has even called Kohli’s run-out ‘suicidal’ as it was being played out, an especially rough pill for him to swallow given the context of the match.
India vs. New Zealand 3rd Test Day 2 Live Score
Key Performers
Ravindra Jadeja: His brilliant bowling tore apart New Zealand’s batting lineup. Turning the pitch to his advantage, Jadeja was able to break partnerships and keep the pressure on the visitors.
Washington Sundar: Similar to Jadeja, Sundar was in fine fettle and lifted key wickets including the dismissals of Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra. The way in which he played proved his growing vital role in the Test team.
Daryl Mitchell and Will Young: Substantial contributions by both batsmen underlined Daryl Mitchell and Will Young. Without their partnerships, they set a competitive target on a pitch that was predicted to deteriorate with the passing of the match.
India’s Batting Collapse
After their late collapse on Day 1, India’s batting lineup is now under the microscope. They were 78/1 after eight balls and from there they fell to 86/4. The loss of Jaiswal to a reverse sweep against Ajaz Patel marked the start of India’s woes. Rohit, Kohli, and Rohit Sharma’s quick dismissal further compounded India’s woes, leaving Gill and Pant to rebuild an innings, that is now crucial to India’s chances in this Test.
Looking Ahead
As Day 2 progresses, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant will have to settle down for a big partnership to calm India’s innings. Batting on the pitch is going to become more difficult as the ball wears down. It is important for India as it avails of any loose deliveries and is cautious of the spinners.
Last Words
India is in a precarious situation and does not want to suffer yet another defeat in this series by New Zealand. After two previous defeats, now with their backs up against the wall, this match offers a chance at redemption as much as a significant step towards their dream in the World Test Championship. Indian side would have to be resilient and determined to turn the fortunes around on Day 2.
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My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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