On a bright morning at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium, Indian cricket fans were treated to a spirited display of counterattacking prowess by Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. Their 96-run stand not only lifted India’s spirits but also brought them back decisively into the contest against New Zealand on the second day of the final Test between the two cricketing giants. With Gill reaching a well-crafted 70* and Pant contributing a flamboyant 60, India successfully narrowed the gap to just 40 runs behind New Zealand’s first-innings total. Although Pant fell victim to a sharp delivery from Ish Sodhi just ahead of the lunch interval, India’s position had undoubtedly strengthened, thanks in no small part to Gill’s unwavering presence at the crease.
From the very first over of the day, the intent was clear. Rishabh Pant, known for his aggressive stroke play, wasted no time in laying down the marker, slashing Ajaz Patel for three boundaries. This aggressive playstyle seemed contagious as Gill, masterfully partnered in this counterattack, also faced the bowlers with a fearless demeanor. The focus of both batsmen was primarily on punishing the spinners and capitalizing on any loose delivery they could extract. However, such aggressive tactics weren’t without their risks. Both Pant and Gill faced moments of fear when they each survived dropped catches, with the New Zealand fielders failing to capitalize on key opportunities.
Gill’s slice of fortune came when he attempted to loft Glenn Phillips’ delivery to deep mid-wicket. Substitute fielder Mark Chapman, unfortunately, couldn’t secure what seemed a routine catch, allowing Gill to breathe a sigh of relief and continue his innings. Pant’s escape was equally dramatic as his adventurous loft towards long-off was grasped by Matt Henry, only to be fumbled, letting Pant soldier on.
In the first hour of play, the Indian batsmen were relentless. They scored 77 runs in just 14 overs, with boundaries raining down and causing visible frustration among New Zealand’s ranks.
. However, as the morning session progressed, New Zealand’s bowlers found their rhythm and line, dialing back India’s aggressive surge. The pitch, with its gripping assistance for spinners and unpredictable bounce, was not going to make life easy for the batsmen. It demanded focus and patience, forcing Pant and Gill to adjust their strategy as New Zealand fought back.
Nonetheless, it was Ish Sodhi, making an impactful return to the side, who delivered the crucial breakthrough for New Zealand. Bowling with precision and guile, Sodhi managed to outfox Pant with a spinning leg-break, getting the prized wicket via an LBW appeal that held its ground even upon review due to the umpire’s call. Pant’s fall was a reprieve for New Zealand, albeit their only consolation in what was otherwise a challenging morning session.
For New Zealand, the task now is to seize control and attempt to limit India’s scoring opportunities. The Wankhede wicket continues to offer significant assistance to spin bowlers, with the uneven bounce potentially playing a crucial hand in deciding the outcome of this Test’s first innings. Indeed, any lead in such conditions could prove vital.
Reflecting on the earlier phases of the match, New Zealand’s first innings had been dominated by commendable performances from Daryl Mitchell, who top-scored with 82, and Will Young, contributing 71. Their efforts were instrumental in realizing New Zealand’s total of 235. However, India’s spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were equally critical, combining forces to rip through New Zealand’s lineup—Jadeja claiming a standout five-wicket haul and Sundar taking four.
As lunchtime approached at the Wankhede, cricket enthusiasts around the world were left in no doubt that the drama was far from over. With Shubman Gill holding firm and India poised at 195/5, just 40 runs shy of New Zealand’s total, the narrative was brilliantly poised. The afternoon session promised further intense exchanges as India looked to build on their momentum while New Zealand sought breakthroughs to maintain their grip on the Test match.