October 24, 2024: India dominated Day 1 of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, with off-spinner Washington Sundar shining with a remarkable bowling performance.
Sundar claimed 7 wickets for 59 runs, helping India bowl out New Zealand for 259. At stumps, India was at 16/1, with Shubman Gill (10) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (6) unbeaten at the crease after captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck by Tim Southee.
New Zealand, after opting to bat first, had a promising start with Devon Conway scoring a solid 76 and Rachin Ravindra contributing a well-made 65. Their efforts led New Zealand to 201/5 by the tea break. However, Sundar’s outstanding bowling in the final session dismantled the New Zealand batting lineup, taking crucial middle and lower-order wickets. Ravichandran Ashwin also played a key role, picking up 3 wickets for 64 runs.
New Zealand had Conway and Ravindra to thank for their top-order resilience. Conway’s second half-century of the series came off 141 balls, with 11 fours, while Ravindra hit 5 fours and a six in his 105-ball innings. However, once Sundar and Ashwin found their rhythm, New Zealand’s lower order collapsed.
India, trailing by 243 runs, will look to build a solid partnership on Day 2 as they aim to take control of the match. Sundar’s impressive seven-wicket haul was his career-best in Test cricket and marked a stellar comeback to the team after a long absence.
