In a fast-moving and potentially decisive second day of the ongoing third Test in Mumbai, India took a major step toward winning the game. After being bowled out for 263, India bowled exceptionally well to restrict New Zealand to 171/9 by stumps. The Kiwis lead by 143 runs with one wicket remaining, and all eyes will be on how India approach the run chase on a turning Mumbai pitch.
India started strong with the ball, as Akash Deep dismissed Tom Latham early. However, Devon Conway and Will Young steadied the innings. There were some loose shots, but the momentum shifted with Ravichandran Ashwin’s stunning catch to dismiss Daryl Mitchell, breaking a crucial 50-run partnership.
Will Young looked composed and reached a fifty, while Glenn Phillips’ brisk cameo pushed New Zealand’s lead past 100. Unfortunately for New Zealand, both were dismissed in quick succession. The experienced spin duo of Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja took a combined seven wickets, dismantling New Zealand’s batting line-up.
India looked set for a big first innings lead with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant at the crease, but an outstanding post-lunch spell by Ajaz Patel brought New Zealand right back into the game. He claimed his sixth five-wicket haul. Ajaz had dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal and nightwatchman Mohammed Siraj on Day 1.
Day 2 saw him, despite Pant’s aggressive start, dismissing Sarfaraz and Gill, before sending Ashwin back to complete a five-wicket haul. The left-arm spinner was precise with his line and length, extracting significant turn and grip from the pitch. Phillips also contributed with a wicket, while Ish Sodhi and Matt Henry chipped in with one each as well.
At the start of the day, India trailed by 149 runs with only six wickets in hand. Gill and Pant put together a solid 96-run stand, with Pant maintaining his attacking approach. Both players reached their half-centuries, but Pant’s dismissal slowed the scoring rate, making boundaries harder to find. Gill soon followed for 90, just short of his century, once again exposing India’s fragile lower middle order. Further down, Washington Sundar contributed an unbeaten 38 and could have added more had Akash Deep not been run out in a notably casual manner.
India will be quite pleased with their efforts, and the game now leans slightly in their favour. However, with the pitch showing signs of wear, chasing won’t be an easy task.
Brief scores: New Zealand 235 (Daryl Mitchell 82, Will Young 71; Ravindra Jadeja 5-65) & 171/9 (Will Young 51, Glenn Phillips 26; Ravindra Jadeja 4/52) lead India 263 (Shubman Gill 90, Rishabh Pant 60; Ajaz Patel 5/103) by 143 runs.