Seasoned spinner Ravindra Jadeja claimed his 14th five-wicket haul, and Washington Sundar took four wickets as India bowled out New Zealand for 235 on the first day of the third and final Test at Wankhede Stadium on Friday. Jadeja delivered figures of 5-65, landing double blows twice, while Sundar contributed with 4-81, making the most of the turning track.
New Zealand managed to cross 200, thanks to an 89-run partnership between Will Young and Daryl Mitchell for the fourth wicket. Young contributed a steady 71, while Mitchell top-scored with 82 off 129 balls, including three fours and three sixes. However, only four New Zealand batters reached double figures as the visitors lost six wickets for 76 runs in quick succession.
India Gains Early Breakthroughs in Morning Session
Akash Deep provided India’s first breakthrough by trapping Devon Conway lbw for four. Sundar followed with key dismissals, removing both Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra in quick succession. He bowled Latham with a delivery that straightened past the bat, sending him back for 28 off 44 balls. Soon after, Sundar bowled Ravindra with a similar delivery, marking the third time in a row he dismissed Ravindra this way.
Young held firm, showing attacking intent by lofting Ashwin for six and sweeping Sundar for a boundary. Mitchell, meanwhile, battled the hot and humid conditions, using ice packs and taking frequent breaks.
Jadeja’s Strikes Disrupt New Zealand’s Middle Order
Jadeja struck thrice after lunch, breaking the crucial partnership between Young and Mitchell. He dismissed Young with a turning delivery that edged to Rohit Sharma at slip. Three balls later, Jadeja claimed Tom Blundell’s wicket and then bowled Glenn Phillips with a quicker ball that went past his bat.
Mitchell fought on, smashing Sundar for three sixes before falling to Sundar for 82. New Zealand’s innings ended 42 minutes after tea when Ajaz Patel was trapped lbw, attempting a big shot.
Brief Scores :
New Zealand 235 all out in 65.4 overs (Daryl Mitchell 82, Will Young 71; Ravindra Jadeja 5-65, Washington Sundar 4-81) against India.
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