Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin helped India gain control on day two of the third Test against New Zealand. By the end of the day, New Zealand was struggling at 171/9, holding a small lead of just 143 runs. Jadeja took 4 wickets for 52 runs in the second innings, adding to his total of nine wickets in the match, while Ashwin chipped in with 3 wickets for 63 runs.
Earlier, India was bowled out for 263 in their first innings. Shubman Gill scored the highest with 90 runs, supported by Rishabh Pant, who made 60. Together, they added a crucial 96 runs for the fifth wicket after India was in trouble at 86/4.
Washington Sundar contributed a valuable 38 not out, hitting four fours and two sixes. For New Zealand, left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel continued his strong form at the Wankhede Stadium, taking 5 wickets for 103 runs, bringing his total to 19 wickets at the venue in just three innings.
New Zealand’s second innings started poorly, with Tom Latham, Devon Conway, and Rachin Ravindra dismissed early, leaving them at 44/3.
Will Young (51) and Daryl Mitchell provided some resistance with a 50-run partnership before Jadeja and Ashwin started to take more wickets. Glenn Phillips played aggressively, hitting three sixes, but was eventually bowled for 26 by Ashwin. Jadeja ended the day by dismissing Matt Henry, leaving New Zealand with a slim lead and only one wicket left.
Even though New Zealand won the series with victories in the first two Tests in Bengaluru and Pune, India’s spinners have put them under a lot of pressure in this game as India fights for a consolation win.
