India has emerged with a slender advantage over New Zealand at the conclusion of an intriguing first day of the ongoing Test match in Pune, thanks to a spellbinding performance by Washington Sundar. The talented spinner entrapped the Kiwi batsmen in a web of mystery, claiming a career-defining five-wicket haul in international cricket. Sundar’s mesmerizing bowling figures of 7/59 were instrumental in curbing New Zealand’s progress, providing India with the upper hand.
In a day highlighted by Sundar’s bowling mastery, he dismissed New Zealand’s key players, including Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, and Ajaz Patel. India had initially found themselves in a challenging position after losing the toss on a surface that appeared favorable for batting early on, raising concerns in the Indian camp. However, Sundar’s exceptional spell lifted a weight off captain Rohit Sharma’s shoulders.
Ravichandran Ashwin set the tone for the Indian attack by capturing the initial breakthrough, trapping Tom Latham right in front of the stumps. The opening pair of Devon Conway and Will Young attempted to stabilize New Zealand’s innings, forging a steady 44-run partnership for the second wicket. Just as their resistance hinted at potential trouble for India, Ashwin intervened once more, dismissing Young for a personal score of 18.
Following Young’s departure, Rachin Ravindra entered the fray and joined forces with Conway, adding a valuable 62-run stand for the third wicket. However, it was Ashwin again who made a pivotal intervention, ending Conway’s determined innings at 76, punctuated by 11 boundaries. This crucial wicket was a relief to the Indian side, as Conway had appeared well settled at the crease, threatening to shift the game in New Zealand’s favor.
Rachin Ravindra continued his impressive form with another fifty-plus score, demonstrating a promising talent for the future.
. Yet, his ambition to secure a century against India was quashed by the artistry of Sundar, who skillfully deceived and bowled him out. Santner stood briefly in resistance for the Kiwis, offering some late-order contributions with a fighting 33 that ultimately helped New Zealand post a total of 259 in their first innings. But apart from Santner, Sundar’s brilliance saw the Kiwi batting order unravel spectacularly.
In parallel news, notable mentions are in order with regard to New Zealand’s star performer Rachin Ravindra. His recent endeavours have etched his name above that of India’s Rohit Sharma in a key record during the World Test Championship cycle. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar’s potent spell in Pune earned him a remarkable World Test Championship record, adding an illustrious chapter to his promising career.
India’s reply started on a cautious yet slightly shaky note as Rohit Sharma was dismissed just in the third over of their innings. Tim Southee, wielding a gem of a delivery, disrupted Sharma’s defenses to clatter his stumps, sending an early jolt through the Indian innings. Nonetheless, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill exhibited commendable resolve, steering the innings steadily and ensuring no further damage was inflicted before the close of play.
At stumps, India stood at 16 for the loss of a solitary wicket, setting the stage for an enthralling second day. The initial aim for the Indian batsmen would likely be to establish a formidable lead, capitalizing on Sundar’s exceptional groundwork laid earlier with the ball. As the Pune Test unfolds, all eyes remain on how the second day will unravel, as Indian batsmen look to consolidate and extend their hold over the Kiwis.
