In an exhilarating morning session on the second day of the final Test in Mumbai, a formidable partnership between Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant allowed India to mount a spirited comeback against New Zealand. This counterattacking 96-run stand became a defining moment for India as they clawed back into the contest after a challenging opening day. With Gill remaining unbeaten on 70 and Pant making a dynamic 60, the hosts were able to narrow the deficit substantially, trailing New Zealand’s first innings by just 40 runs at the lunch break.
The session featured a keen display of batting prowess from both Indian batters, who showed aggression and intent from the very outset. The tone of the day was set early on when Pant took to the New Zealand spinners with great panache. In the very first over, he dispatched Ajaz Patel for three boundaries, signaling an aggressive intent that seemed to inject new energy into the Indian proceedings. Gill, too, was determined to make his mark, showing a particular appetite for taking on the spin attack.
This aggressive approach, while yielding significant runs, was not without its moments of peril. Each batter was handed a lifeline as New Zealand failed to capitalize on crucial catching opportunities. Shubman Gill attempted to dispatch Glenn Phillips over the mid-wicket boundary, only to loft a catch towards substitute fielder Mark Chapman, who inexplicably failed to complete the catch. Later, Pant offered a chance when his lofted shot off Phillips found its way deep to Matt Henry at long-off, but Henry was unable to cling on.
Despite these reprieves, the duo batted admirably, maintaining a high scoring rate throughout the opening hour. India managed to accumulate a brisk 77 runs from 14 overs, causing a flurry of boundaries that enthralled the Mumbai crowd.
. In the subsequent hour, New Zealand’s bowlers recalibrated their strategy, tightening their lines and stemming the flow of runs, though not before the damage had firmly been done.
The momentum of the match shifted towards India, propelled by the dynamic duo. However, New Zealand found succor in the final moments before lunch with the crucial breakthrough from Ish Sodhi. Making a notable return to the New Zealand side, Sodhi delivered a sharp leg break that trapped Pant LBW—a decision that, after scrutiny upon review, remained upheld by umpire’s call. Pant’s dismissal provided some reprieve for the New Zealand camp.
Observing the pitch dynamics, it became evident that despite offering significant assistance to the spinners, the bounce was far from consistent, adding a layer of complexity to the Wankhede Stadium’s surface. This inconsistency meant any first innings lead could become pivotal in deciding the match’s outcome, emphasizing the importance of the stand engineered by Gill and Pant.
Their valiant counterattack brought the game back within India’s grasp after a challenging first day that saw New Zealand execute a disciplined bowling performance, securing a first innings total of 235. Contributions from Daryl Mitchell, who scored a notable 82, and Will Young’s disciplined knock of 71 had initially placed them in a strong position. However, India’s bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja’s five-wicket haul and crucial support from Washington Sundar, ensured Indians were not out of sight.
As the dust settled on the morning session, India’s response saw them positioned at 195/5. With Gill anchoring the innings, the task remained to garner every possible run and seek a valuable lead that could pressure the visitors in the subsequent innings. Heading into the post-lunch session, the Indian team was buoyed by their spirited fightback, determined to seize control and chart a victorious narrative after a gripping morning at the Wankhede Stadium.