On Day 1 of the second Test match between India and New Zealand at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, New Zealand, after winning the toss and opting to bat, put up a total of 259 runs. The standout performer for India was Washington Sundar, who claimed a remarkable seven-wicket haul, showcasing his control and guile. Sundar’s bowling was key in restricting New Zealand after they had made a solid start with contributions from Rachin Ravindra (65) and Daryl Mitchell. Sundar’s spell, featuring six dismissals either bowled or LBW, underlined his mastery of the conditions as the ball began to turn from Day 1.
New Zealand’s innings was marked by a mid-order collapse, with the team losing seven wickets for just 62 runs at one stage, largely due to Sundar’s spin. Despite a promising start, with Ravindra and other batters like Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls getting starts, the Kiwis struggled to build partnerships.
In response, India got off to a rocky start. Captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck by Tim Southee, leaving the hosts at 16/1 at stumps. Shubman Gill (10*) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (6*) managed to steady the ship after the early loss. However, with two left-arm spinners, Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner, already finding some turn from the pitch, India will need to navigate carefully on Day 2 to avoid further setbacks.
The match is delicately poised, with India trailing by 243 runs at the close of play on Day 1. The contest is expected to intensify as the pitch continues to offer assistance to the spinners.