In what promises to be an exhilarating chase, Yashasvi Jaiswal has set the stage ablaze with a dazzling innings for India, scoring an unbeaten 46 off just 36 balls. As the third morning unfolded in the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, India embarked on the daunting task of overhauling a colossal target of 359 runs. Despite the grueling nature of the pitch and the sheer magnitude of the chase, the young Jaiswal appeared unperturbed, launching an impressive assault early on. He made an emphatic statement by smashing the second delivery of the Indian innings for six off New Zealand’s Tim Southee, signaling an aggressive intent.
Drawing parallels with their second innings demolition act in Bengaluru, India has once again come out swinging with an aggressive mindset. However, New Zealand drew first blood when they managed to snag the vital wicket of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. Rohit’s cameo ended early when he misread a delivery from Mitchell Santner, resulting in a bat-pad catch to short leg and recording Santner’s eighth wicket of the match.
Providing company to Jaiswal is Shubman Gill, who has looked sharp and remained unbeaten on 22 off 20 deliveries. Together, they have set the tone with their proactive approach, especially against spin. Both batsmen have utilized the sweep shot effectively, demonstrating control and adaptation to the challenging surface without overcommitting to their strokes. One of the standout moments of the session was Jaiswal’s commanding lofted drive over extra cover off Glenn Phillips, just before the break. While batting on this tricky pitch is far from straightforward, India’s aggressive tactics have caught the Kiwis off-guard, setting up a fascinating contest.
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Earlier in the day, India completed the task of dismantling New Zealand’s batting line-up with relative ease, claiming the remaining five wickets for just 57 runs added to the overnight score. Initially, the day appeared to swing in favor of the visitors, but it was Ravindra Jadeja who turned the tide by dismissing Tom Blundell with a pacey arm-ball. The dismissal ignited a collapse, with New Zealand losing their grip on the game swiftly. Santner fell prey to Jadeja, with an attempted big hit that ended up in the deep fielder’s mitts, while Southee edged one to first slip shortly thereafter. Ajaz Patel, too, was caught on the boundary attempting an ill-advised loft, as India bagged wickets at regular intervals. Phillips played bravely from one end, but his resistance was futile, as the tail-enders couldn’t offer substantial support. The final nail in the innings came when number 11, William O’Rourke, found himself run out at the non-striker’s end, epitomizing New Zealand’s batting woes.
Despite this collapse, the substantial lead of 358 runs still seemed imposing, especially on this deteriorating Pune pitch. Yet, the hosts have already chipped away at the target, making an impressive dent with their aggressive style of play, adding 81 runs to the scoreboard for the loss of just one wicket.
The contest now hangs in balance, with India poised to unleash more aggression, but this very approach might also offer the Kiwis opportunities to strike back. With exciting cricket on display and both teams having significant stakes, the stage is set for a thrilling day of Test cricket that could swing either side. As it stands, New Zealand leads India by 277 runs after their two innings, with the promise of more riveting battles to come.