India Dominates Day 2 as Gill, Pant, and Spinners Leave New Zealand Struggling in Mumbai Test

Mumbai, November 2, 2024: India surged ahead in the third Test against New Zealand, finishing Day 2 with a firm grip on the game. A stellar partnership between Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, paired with a lethal spin attack, handed India the advantage as New Zealand ended the day at 171/9 with a slim lead of 143 runs.

Gill, with a disciplined 90 off 146 balls, and Pant, smashing 60 off just 59 balls, built a crucial 97-run stand to counter New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel, who claimed five wickets. Despite Pant’s brisk scoring and Gill’s steady rotation of strike, New Zealand’s fielding lapses allowed the Indian duo to steer India to a 28-run lead in the first innings.

Indian spinners dominated after lunch, with Ravindra Jadeja grabbing four wickets and Ashwin adding three. Their combined effort dismantled New Zealand’s lineup, leaving the visitors clinging to a small lead by stumps.

New Zealand briefly fought back in their second innings, with Will Young scoring his second fifty of the match, while Glenn Phillips’ quick-fire 26 entertained the crowd. However, the Indian bowlers consistently struck back, with Jadeja’s final delivery removing Matt Henry to leave New Zealand in a vulnerable position heading into Day 3.

image credit: www.cricketcountry.com

read also:India Grabs Edge on Day 2 of Mumbai Test: Gill, Pant, and Spinners Lead Charge