IND Vs NZ, 2nd Test, Day 1: New Zealand started very well, with the ball as well, by getting the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma dismissed for a duck. The left-arm spinners did get significant help from this good batting wicket, and the early game today was quite challenging for India, considering the batting collapse earlier for the loss of seven wickets for 62 runs.
Stumps on Day 1 of the 2nd Test.#TeamIndia trail by 243 runs in the first innings.
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 24, 2024
Scorecard – https://t.co/3vf9Bwzgcd… #INDvNZ @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/diCyEeghM4
Washington Sundar’s Sensational Performance
However, the day belonged to Washington Sundar in every sense of the term-the 25-year-old off-spinner was impressive and chipped in with a stunning 7 for 59. Picked ahead of Kuldeep Yadav, the youngster capitalized on the conditions to deliver a match-winning performance.
Innings Break!
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 24, 2024
Superb bowling display from #TeamIndia! 💪
7⃣ wickets for Washington Sundar
3⃣ wickets for R Ashwin
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/YVjSnKCtlI #INDvNZ | @Sundarwashi5 | @ashwinravi99 | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/TsWb5o07th
Several of his dismissals reiterated why he’s such a potent bowler. For example, Rachin Ravindra was batting so confidently at 65 that a delivery that drifted in dipped, and finally knocked over his off stump, completely bamboozled him.
Also Read: IND Vs NZ, 2nd Test: Washington Sundar’s Stunning 7-Wicket Haul Stuns New Zealand In Pune!
Best Bowling Figures Against New Zealand
Washington Sundar’s figures of 7/59 place him in a league of the best bowling in Test history against New Zealand. Check out the comparison of the best figures by Indian bowlers in Tests against New Zealand.
8/72 – S Venkatraghavan, Delhi 1965
8/76 – EAS Prasanna, Auckland 1975
7/59 – R Ashwin, Indore 2017
7/59 – Washington Sundar, Pune 2024
Masterclass Dismissals
Six of Washington’s wickets came bowled or lbw, as he continually failed to deceive the batters – both in the air and with sharp turns. This is a top-class performance, especially for someone who isn’t used to playing regularly.
Washington Sundar’s Reflection
Washington Sundar, when requested to think about his performance, mentioned that he focused on landing consistent hits. “We knew it would start spinning from Day 1,” he added. The best wicket for him was the one of Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell.
Day-1 Analysis: A Narrow Edge India
Who then is the rightful winner on Day One? India might have a slight advantage but not by a mile. The pitch will surely provide all the support that the spinners may require and New Zealand has certainly stayed very much in the game with 259 runs.
