IND vs NZ Day 2 Report, 3rd Test 2024: Team India made a strong comeback on the 2nd day of the 3rd Test. First the counter attack of Gill and Pant and then the evergreen pair of Ashwin and Jadeja made sure that India stayed two steps ahead of the kiwis.

Gill and Pant’s Blistering Partnership

As the Day began, India were on the back foot at 86-4 due to the late evening blows from New Zealand on Day 1. However, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant built up a match saving partnership and showed how to bat on this track. The counter attack against the Kiwi spinners especially by Rishab Pant didn’t allow the bowlers to settle their line and lengths. These two added 96 runs for the 5th wicket partnership at a rate of almost 5 runs per over. 

Rishab Pant scored a blistering knock of 60 runs off just 59 balls including 8 fours and 2 sixes. On the other hand, Shubman Gill showed his temperament in a difficult situation. He played the spinners brilliantly and rescued team India from another big collapse. Unfortunately, Gill missed his well-deserved by just 10 runs. He scored an outstanding knock of 90 runs including 7 fours and a six. 

Washington Sundar’s Cameo

However, India once again fell into trouble as they took some quick wickets. After the dismissal of Pant, Jadeja joined Gill and after just a 20 odd run partnership, Gill departed followed by Sarfraz khan who got out on duck. Jadeja and Ashwin also managed to score just 14 and 6 runs respectively. In such a phase, Washington Sundar stood up and scored a valuable 38 not-out. This knock of Washington helped team India to get a very important lead of 27 runs as India were bowled out on 253 runs.

Ajaz Patel Shines At Home

Ajaz Patel was the star for New Zealand with the ball as he claimed a brilliant 5-wicket haul. This was his second five-wicket haul on this ground and interestingly this is also the city of his birth. His controlled bowling ensured India didn’t get a big lead. 

Ashwin & Jadeja Ran Through NZ

In reply, the old duo of Aswin and Jadeja was back in action to trouble a SENA side in India. New Zealand batters looked clueless against both the spinners. In the beginning, Akash Deep once again provided a good start to his side by dismissing the opposition skipper Tom Latham. Washington Sundar then dismissed Devon Conway for 22 runs. After that there was just a Jadeja and Ashwin show. 

Ravindra Jadeja continued his form from the 1st innings and grabbed four key wickets. He ahs currently 9 wickets in the match and if he manages to pick the last kiwi tomorrow, he can complete another 10-fer. On the other hand, Ravichandran Ashwin was also back in form with the ball. He picked three wickets and made life harder for the New Zealand batters. 

Will Young and Glenn Phillips were the only two batters who showed some fight against the Indian bowlers. Will Young scored his second fifty of this test and departed after scoring valuable 51 runs. Glenn Phillips was also looking in good touch as he tried to repeat a Rishab Pant. However, he failed to convert his cameo in a big innings. Phillips scored 26 runs off just 14 balls including 3 sixes and a four.

New Zealand is currently leading by just 143 runs and their last pair is standing on the pitch. They will look to score some precious runs for the side and push the target as much as possible. India is looking in a comfortable position unless they suffer a collapse like the 1st innings of the 1st test. They will hope to pick the last wicket quickly tomorrow and chase the target to avoid an embarrassing clean sweep on their home soil.