Sundar’s Magic Puts India in Control After New Zealand Fold for 259
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| Washington Sundar's 7-Fer: The 25-year-old off-spinner shone brightly, justifying his selection over Kuldeep Yadav with impressive control and skill. / Getty |
Pune: In a gripping first day of the India-New Zealand Test, Washington Sundar’s career-best First-Class spell of 7/59 turned the tide in favor of India, as New Zealand were bundled out for 259 in 79.1 overs. Despite a solid start by the Black Caps, India's spinners dominated on a turning track at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, leaving the match finely balanced.
After winning the toss, New Zealand captain Tom Latham chose to bat, looking to make the most of the conditions. However, the visitors were unable to capitalize on their decision fully. While Devon Conway (76) and Rachin Ravindra (65) impressed with half-centuries, the Kiwi top order struggled to convert starts into big scores. Conway and Ravindra put up a fighting 62-run stand for the third wicket, with Ravindra later building a 59-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell (19), providing hope for a strong total.
India's bowlers, led by Ravichandran Ashwin (3/64), kept applying pressure on the New Zealand batters. Ashwin, who passed Nathan Lyon’s 530 Test wickets mark, claimed the first three wickets, including key dismissals of Latham and Will Young, before Washington Sundar took over.
Sundar’s entry into the attack just before Tea changed the game dramatically. The off-spinner bowled a spell of sheer brilliance, tearing through New Zealand's middle and lower order with sharp turn and precise variations. His seven-wicket haul left New Zealand's batters clueless, as the visitors lost their last five wickets for just 43 runs. Mitchell Santner (33) was the only lower-order batter to offer resistance, but he too fell to Sundar’s magic.
India’s response with the bat was cautious. Tim Southee and debutant William O’Rourke started the New Zealand bowling attack with fiery intent, and Southee struck early, dismissing Indian skipper Rohit Sharma for a duck. Despite the setback, Yashasvi Jaiswal (6*) and Shubman Gill (10*) played out the remaining 11 overs carefully, taking India to 16/1 at stumps. India trail by 243 runs, setting up a fascinating contest on Day 2.
With the pitch already showing signs of sharp turn, Day 2 promises more exciting action, as both teams look to gain an advantage in this crucial Test match.
Brief Scores:
- New Zealand: 259 all out in 79.1 overs (Devon Conway 76, Rachin Ravindra 65; Washington Sundar 7/59, Ravichandran Ashwin 3/64).
- India: 16/1 in 11 overs (Shubman Gill 10*, Yashasvi Jaiswal 6*; Tim Southee 1/8).