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The 3rd Test between India and New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium has been a tightly contested match. After New Zealand posted 235 in their first innings, with significant contributions from Will Young (71) and Daryl Mitchell (82), India managed to surpass it with a score of 263, securing a 28-run lead. The second innings for New Zealand saw early and middle-order struggles against India’s bowling attack, with Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin picking up crucial wickets. As Day 2 ended, New Zealand were at 171/9, leading by 143 runs. The match remains poised on a knife’s edge, with India’s bowlers eyeing a swift end to the innings and setting up a manageable chase on the third day.
New Zealand’s mixed start in the first innings
The third Test at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium began with New Zealand putting forth a mixed performance in their first innings. The visitors posted a total of 235 runs in 65.4 overs, led by significant contributions from Will Young, who crafted a patient 71 off 138 balls, and Daryl Mitchell, who played an impressive 82 off 129 deliveries, striking three boundaries and three sixes. India’s bowlers, spearheaded by Jadeja and Washington Sundar, applied consistent pressure, collectively taking seven wickets. Akash Deep made an early impact by dismissing Devon Conway for just 4, setting the tone for India’s disciplined bowling approach. Despite some middle and lower-order resistance, New Zealand’s innings came to a swift conclusion, giving India a slight edge.
India’s balanced approach secures a first-innings lead
India’s response was marked by a balanced batting strategy that allowed them to surpass New Zealand’s total and establish a 28-run lead. Although the innings saw early setbacks, contributions from the middle order helped stabilize the innings and guide the team to a total of 263. The Indian batters, led by Shubman Gill, managed their scoring rate efficiently, blending aggression with caution to counter New Zealand’s probing bowling. The visitors’ bowlers, including their seamers and spinners, maintained tight lines, but India’s calculated approach enabled them to build partnerships and reach a competitive score.
Also WATCH: Akash Deep cleans up Tom Latham with a ri𒆙pper on Day 2 of Mumbai Test – IND vs NZ
Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin shine with the ball
Under mounting pressure from India’s determined bowling lineup, New Zealand’s second innings faltered. The openers faced relentless spells, and wickets fell at regular intervals, with Jadeja and Ashwin proving particularly effective on a spinning track. Will Young once again offered some resistance at the top but could not replicate his first-innings effort. Sundar and Akash Deep complemented their efforts, each contributing key breakthroughs. By the close of Day 2, N📖ew Zealand was reeling at 171/9, holding a lead of just 143 runs with their last pair at the crease. The Indian bowlers’ relentless attack stifled the visitors’ attempts to build partnerships, putting the hosts in a favorable position.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Ravindra Jadeja is India's most under appreciated cricketer of the era, we see so much hype around Virat, Rohit, Bumrah, Ashwin, etc but Jadeja barely gets such hype and acknowledgement from fans and expert.
He is not just India's but also best test player in the world for last…
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841)
Ravi Ashwin moodboard 🇮🇳💗
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals)
That Ashwin carrom ball drifted in 0.75 degs and turned a WHOPPING 5.9 degs!!ꦚ!
All at 88 kmph. Pitched at 3.56 m from the s𝕴tumps, moved away 15 cmꩵs between pitching and hitting the stumps!
To do all this with the fingers in the opposite direction with a carrom ball… Crazy.
— Himanish Ganjoo (@hganjoo_153)
Ashwin and Jadeja joined forces to dismantle New🐎 Zealand’s second innings, putting India in a strong position!
— Shravan kumar prajapat (@Shravankumardp)
Jadeja doing enough but game probably s𒆙till in grasp of In🍸dia if they bat really well.
NZ will want ♐to frustrate them with a stand tomorrow.
Nicely set up for a final day of a series that has needed India to find so many answers….
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS)
Ashwin Anna had to give up Chess and pull out Car🐼rom ๊to come back.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer)
India will have their noses ahead, by a sliver
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73)
Been intrigued by the fiꦍelder. For some reason, always assumed that he’d end up with his naturally safe hands as a long-term gully fielder as his career progressed like Aniꦜl Kumble but instead he’s always remained an outfielder & an underrated one at that
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07)
Test match delicately poised . Crucial final session on day two coming . ꧂You feel NZ cannot afford to lose it but if they win it cd go towards setting India something uncomfortable
— John Wright (@johnwright15)
14 wickets on Day 1, 15 wickets on Day 2.
Wouldꦍ be surprised if 🇮🇳 don’t win this Test by lunch on Day 3.
— Michael Appleton (@michelappleton)
Spintacular Stuff! 💥🌪️ 🦁💛
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL)
Stumps on Day 2 in Mumbai!
A fine bowling🦂 display from as New Zealand reach 171/9 in the 2nd innings.
See you tomorrow for Day 3 action 👋
Scorecard – |
— BCCI (@BCCI)
