The third Test between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium was a closely contested match. After New Zealand were bowled out for 235 in their first innings, India took the lead to 263 with significant contributions from Will Young (71) and Darryl Mitchell (82) to secure a 28-run lead. New Zealand’s second innings saw them struggle in the early and middle order against India’s bowling attack with Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin taking important wickets. At the end of day two, New Zealand were 171/9, 143 runs ahead. The match remains on a knife’s edge, with India’s bowlers looking to end the innings quickly and setting up a manageable chase on the third day.
New Zealand’s 1st mixed start
The third Test at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium began with New Zealand putting up a mixed performance in the first innings. The visitors posted a total of 235 runs in 65.4 overs, courtesy of Will Young, who made 71 off 138 balls, and Daryl Mitchell, who made an impressive 82 off 129 balls, hitting three boundaries and three sixes. This is thanks to your significant contributions. India’s bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, applied consistent pressure and took a total of seven wickets. Akash Deep made an impact early on, setting the tone for India’s disciplined bowling approach by dismissing Devon Conway for just four. Despite resistance at the middle and lower levels, New Zealand’s innings reached a quick conclusion, giving India a slight lead.
India’s balanced approach secures first-innings lead
India’s response was characterized by a balanced batting strategy as they outscored New Zealand and took a 28-run lead. Although there were setbacks early in the innings, contributions from the middle order helped stabilize the innings and take the team to a total of 263. The Indian batsmen used a careful mix of aggression to counter New Zealand’s probing bowling and managed their run rate efficiently. The visitors’ bowlers, including seamers and spinners, maintained a tight line, but India’s calculated approach allowed them to build partnerships and reach a competitive score.
Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin shine with the ball.
New Zealand’s second innings faltered under pressure from India’s solid bowling line-up. The openers faced relentless spells and wickets fell at regular intervals, with Jadeja and Ashwin proving particularly effective on spinning tracks. Will Young once again showed some resistance in the top order but was unable to replicate his first-innings effort. Washington Sundar and Akash Deep complemented their efforts, each achieving a major breakthrough. By the end of the second day, New Zealand had staggered to 171/9 and held a lead of just 143 runs with the last pair at the crease. The relentless attack of the Indian bowlers put the hosts in an advantageous position as they stifled the visitors’ attempts to build partnerships.
Here’s Twitter’s reaction:
Ravindra Jadeja is India’s most underrated contemporary cricketer. There is so much hype around Virat, Rohit, Bumrah, Ashwin etc but Jadeja rarely gets that much hype and recognition from fans and pundits.
He is not only the best Test player in India but also in the world.
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) November 2, 2024
Ravi Ashwin Mood Board
pic.twitter.com/9dKfMkrWTv
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) November 2, 2024
The Ashwin carrom ball drifted in a direction of 0.75 degrees and then spun in a whopping 5.9 degrees!!!
All are 88 km/h. He pitched 3.56 meters from the stumps, and moved 15 cm between the pitch and the strike of the stumps!
To do all of this using the Carrom ball and using your fingers in the opposite direction… This is crazy.
— Himanish Ganjoo (@hganjoo_153) November 2, 2024
Ashwin and Jadeja combined to destroy New Zealand’s second innings and put India in a strong position!
— Shravan kumar prajapat (@Shravankumardp) November 2, 2024
Jadeja is doing enough, but if they were batting really well the game would probably still be in India’s hands.
New Zealand will be keen to thwart them by making a statement tomorrow.
Well set up for the final day of the series where India will need to find plenty of answers…#INDvNZ
— Nikhil
(@CricCrazyNIKS) November 2, 2024
Ashwin Anna had to give up chess, take out Carrom and come back.
— Seely Point (@FarziCricketer) November 2, 2024
India will be narrowly ahead#IndvsNZ
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) November 2, 2024
interested @ashwinravi99 fielder. For some reason, it was always thought that as his career progressed like Anil Kumble’s, he would naturally have safe hands as a long-gully fielder, but instead, he always remained an outfielder and an underrated player. #IndvNZ
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 2, 2024
The test match was meticulously prepared. The important final session of day two is approaching. I don’t think NZ can afford to lose it, but if they win they will go towards setting up the CD as an inconvenience to India. #INDvNZ
— John Wright (@johnwright15) November 2, 2024
14 wickets on day 1 and 15 wickets on day 2.
I’ll be surprised if you don’t beat this test by lunch on the 3rd day.
— Michael Appleton (@michelappleton) November 2, 2024
Amazing stuff!
#INDvNZ #whistlepodu
pic.twitter.com/pw3NLNRywI
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 2, 2024
Stumps on the second day in Mumbai!
great bowling display #India Team New Zealand were 171/9 in their second innings.
See you tomorrow for the 3rd day of activities
Scorecard – https://t.co/KNIvTEy04z#INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/zJcPngGWuJ
– BCCI (@BCCI) November 2, 2024
