In a remarkable display of spin bowling, Washington Sundar achieved career-best figures of 7 for 59, leading India to a dominant position against New Zealand on the opening day of the second Test. The hosts bowled the visitors out for 259, with Sundar taking control as the match progressed.
Sundar’s stellar performance came as a surprise; just three days prior, he was included in the Test squad. His inclusion in the playing XI over established spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel proved to be a masterstroke, as he claimed five of his seven wickets bowled, along with one lbw and one caught dismissal.
Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra provided a solid foundation for New Zealand, each scoring half-centuries and guiding their team to a promising 138 for 2 at one point. However, the introduction of Indian veteran R Ashwin shifted the momentum. Ashwin dismissed Conway for 76, and soon after, Sundar took control, removing Ravindra for 65.
The pitch in Pune offered variable turn and bounce, challenging the batsmen, especially as the day wore on. Early in the innings, New Zealand appeared to be in good form, but as Ashwin and Sundar tightened the screws, runs became harder to come by. The duo’s combined bowling performance drew numerous false shots from the New Zealand batsmen, with Ashwin’s spell particularly impressive as he kept the scoring in check.
Following a solid start, the New Zealand innings crumbled under pressure. Sundar’s bowling in the afternoon session was nothing short of sensational, culminating in a string of wickets that included dismissals of key players such as Tom Blundell and Daryl Mitchell, both victims of Sundar’s varied spin and accuracy.
New Zealand’s innings ended with contributions from the tail, as Mitchell Santner’s late resistance, scoring 33 runs, was not enough to avert the collapse. Sundar’s ability to find the stumps and control the game was evident, further cementing his position as a potential successor to Ashwin in India’s spin arsenal.
At the close of play, India found themselves at 16 for 1, trailing New Zealand by 243 runs. Despite the early setback with Rohit Sharma dismissed by Tim Southee, India remains optimistic as they aim to extend their remarkable 18-match home series winning streak.
With the stage set for the next days of play, all eyes will be on Sundar as he looks to continue his stellar form and help India build a substantial lead in this crucial Test match.
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