India 16 for 1 (Southee 1-4) trail New Zealand 259 (Conway 76, Ravindra 65, Washington 7-59, Ashwin 3-64) by 243 runs
Washington Sundar’s brilliant performance on the first day of the Pune Test against New Zealand has set India up for a commanding position in the ongoing series. Despite not being part of the original squad, Sundar seized his opportunity, claiming a career-best 7 for 59, dismantling New Zealand’s batting lineup.
His efforts overshadowed impressive half-centuries from Devon Conway (76) and Rachin Ravindra (65), who initially looked to put New Zealand in a strong position. Sundar’s spell, combined with Ashwin’s 3 for 64, bowled out New Zealand for 259 on a track that promises challenges for the side batting last.
Washington Sundar’s Rise to the Occasion
Just three days ago, Washington Sundar was playing domestic cricket, where he showcased his all-round abilities with a hundred and a couple of three-fors in the Ranji Trophy. Fast forward, he was unexpectedly brought into the XI ahead of spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.
His selection proved pivotal as he tore through New Zealand’s lineup, taking out their last seven wickets. Sundar’s stunning five-for in Test cricket is a testament to his growing reputation as a match-winner, adding immense depth to India’s spin attack.
Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin also reached a milestone during this match, surpassing Nathan Lyon’s 530 wickets in 25 fewer Tests, further solidifying his status as one of the all-time great offspinners. Together, Sundar and Ashwin pose a formidable threat, especially on home soil, where India is keen to defend their impressive 18-series winning streak.
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New Zealand’s Start: Conway and Ravindra Show Resistance
After winning the toss and opting to bat, New Zealand’s top order made a solid start, with Conway and Ravindra putting up a strong resistance. Despite being aware of India’s spin strength, both left-handers played confidently, adding 59 and 65 runs, respectively.
Their partnership helped New Zealand reach 138 for 2, and at 197 for 3, the visitors looked set to post a competitive first-innings total. However, once Ashwin removed Conway and Sundar dismissed Ravindra, New Zealand’s innings began to unravel.
Turning the Tide: Sundar and Ashwin Dominate
India’s spinners took charge on a pitch that offered inconsistent turn, making it difficult for New Zealand’s batters to settle. Ashwin drew first blood by trapping Tom Latham lbw early on, and Sarfaraz Khan’s brilliant review saw Will Young caught off a faint glove. From then on, the spinners put a stranglehold on the New Zealand lineup. In just 11 overs, Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja combined to force 24 false shots while conceding only 30 runs.
When play resumed after lunch, New Zealand’s scoring picked up briefly, with 35 runs coming off eight overs from Jasprit Bumrah and Sundar. But it was Ashwin’s removal of Conway that signaled the turning point. A beautifully drifting and dipping delivery lured Conway into a false shot, ending his promising innings.
At the other end, Ravindra, who was Player of the Match in the Bengaluru Test, showed great resolve but eventually succumbed to a superb ball from Sundar that pitched outside off and knocked the top of his off-stump. From that point, Sundar and Ashwin took full control, as the former went on to produce an array of deliveries that either turned sharply or went straight, leaving New Zealand’s lower order with no answer.
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Post-Tea Carnage: Sundar’s Accuracy Too Much for New Zealand
After tea, Sundar’s relentless accuracy continued to trouble the Kiwi batters. Glenn Phillips struggled to score, eventually chipping a full ball to deep mid-off for 9. Mitchell Santner offered some resistance, hitting two sixes in his fighting 33, but Sundar soon outfoxed him.
One of Sundar’s deliveries angled in from around the wicket, beat the outside edge, and clipped the top of the off-stump, sending Tim Southee back. To close out the innings, Sundar removed Ajaz Patel and Santner, both falling to superb deliveries that proved too good to handle.
By the end of the New Zealand innings, India’s spinners had claimed all ten wickets, showing why they are a dominant force in home conditions.
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India Begins Their Reply
With just over 10 overs left to bat in the day, India faced a challenging period under the lights. Despite a more cautious approach compared to their previous aggressive innings, they lost Rohit Sharma for 1, as Tim Southee managed to get one past his bat to rattle the stumps. India ended the day at 16 for 1, trailing New Zealand by 243 runs.
The stage is set for an intriguing contest as India looks to capitalize on their spinners’ dominance and build a strong first-innings lead.
What do you think of Washington Sundar’s performance? Will India’s spin duo continue to dominate, or can New Zealand mount a comeback? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow all the latest news and analysis from the New Zealand tour of India.
