The first day of the third Test match between India and New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, showcased an unexpected turn of events. After a promising start, India suffered a dramatic collapse, losing three key wickets in just eight balls, including star player Virat Kohli. This article will delve into the key moments of the day, the performance of both teams, and the implications for the series.
Match Overview
Current Score:
- India: 86 for 4 (Shubman Gill 31*, Rishabh Pant 1*)
- New Zealand: Bowled out for 235
Top Performers:
- New Zealand Batting: Daryl Mitchell (82), Will Young (71)
- India Bowling: Ravindra Jadeja (5 wickets), Washington Sundar (4 wickets)
Early Promises and Sudden Collapse
India’s Strong Start
At one point, India looked set to take control of the match, reaching 78 for 1. However, the day ended on a sour note as they fell to 86 for 4. This stark contrast highlighted their vulnerability against New Zealand’s bowling attack, particularly in the closing overs.
The Key Wickets
The collapse began when India lost three wickets in rapid succession:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed after a poor reverse sweep.
- Mohammed Siraj burned a review for a delivery that hit his leg stump.
- Virat Kohli, under pressure, was run out after an ambitious single, adding to his disappointing run in the series.
This sudden turn of events has left India trailing by 149 runs and needing a strong performance on Day 2 to remain competitive in the match.
New Zealand’s Innings
Batting Performance
New Zealand, after winning the toss, opted to bat first but struggled initially. They were bowled out for 235, with Daryl Mitchell leading the way with an impressive 82 runs, supported by Will Young’s solid 71. Their partnership of 87 runs for the fourth wicket appeared to stabilize New Zealand after a shaky start.
Bowling Highlights
Ravindra Jadeja was the standout bowler for India, achieving his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. He bowled with remarkable stamina, delivering 22 overs in the challenging Mumbai heat, while Washington Sundar provided vital support with four wickets.
What’s Next for India?
With the match poised delicately, India must regroup to build a formidable second innings. The players need to focus on partnerships, especially from the lower order, to chase down New Zealand’s total effectively.
The first day of the India vs New Zealand third Test has set the stage for an intense battle ahead. With India needing to bounce back, the next few days will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match and the series.
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