Jadeja, Ashwin Spin a Web Around New Zealand as India Seizes Control in Mumbai in 3rd Test

29 wickets fall in two days, making batting difficult on Mumbai wickets // BCCI

Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin combined to dismantle New Zealand’s batting lineup, leaving India on the brink of victory in the third and final Test at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. At stumps on Day 2, New Zealand found themselves precariously placed at 171 for 9, holding a slender 143-run lead with only one wicket remaining in their second innings. The spin duo’s efforts leave India on course to potentially secure a historic 3-0 series whitewash.

New Zealand began their second innings with a modest 25-run lead after bowling out India for 263, thanks to Ajaz Patel’s impressive 5-wicket haul. The visitors' hopes of building a competitive lead were dashed by the relentless Indian spin attack, as Jadeja (4-52) and Ashwin (3-63) picked up seven wickets between them, exploiting the turning track that has seen 29 wickets tumble over just two days.

India's Top Order Revival: Gill and Pant Lead the Charge

Earlier, Shubman Gill (90) and Rishabh Pant (60) rescued India from a vulnerable position after losing skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli cheaply. The duo combined for a brisk 96-run partnership, countering New Zealand’s spin-heavy attack. Gill, who had been dropped on 45, held firm to compile a measured knock, while Pant brought his usual aggression, blasting two sixes off Ajaz Patel to keep the scoreboard ticking.

India’s innings gained further momentum with Washington Sundar’s quick cameo of 38 off 36 balls, which pushed their total past 250. Washington’s late burst proved crucial, giving India a slim but vital 25-run lead before Ajaz’s five-for wrapped up the innings.

Jadeja and Ashwin Take Center Stage

Defending a narrow lead, India handed the new ball to Washington Sundar, who repaid the faith by removing opener Devon Conway early. The combination of Sundar and Ashwin then struck crucial blows as Ashwin dismissed Rachin Ravindra with a sharp stumping, reducing New Zealand to 68 for 3.

Will Young back-to-back half-century in both innings / Getty

With Will Young (51) and Daryl Mitchell briefly steadying the innings, Rohit Sharma brought Jadeja into the attack. Ashwin, recognizing Jadeja’s knack for exploiting the rough patches, even relinquished his preferred end. The tactic worked, as Jadeja removed Mitchell with a smart catch by Ashwin at mid-on, igniting a New Zealand collapse. Tom Blundell fell soon after, and despite a brief counterattack from Glenn Phillips (three sixes), Ashwin ended his charge with a carrom ball that shattered his stumps.

Jadeja then sent back Young and Matt Henry with unplayable deliveries, leaving New Zealand reeling by the close of play.

New Zealand's Last Stand

New Zealand’s tail-enders showed some resistance, with Henry and Ajaz Patel each hitting a six to add crucial runs. However, the day ended fittingly with Jadeja claiming his fourth wicket, further tilting the balance in India’s favor.

As the series hangs in the balance, New Zealand faces a daunting challenge on Day 3 to avoid a sweep. India’s bowlers have dominated on a difficult pitch, setting the stage for a memorable finish to the series.