IND vs NZ 2nd Test Highlights: Washington Sundar’s Sensational 7-Wicket Haul Restricts New Zealand to 259
Pune – Maharashtra Cricket Association (24th October 2024): The second Test match between India and New Zealand kicked off with an exciting Day 1 at Pune, where Washington Sundar’s stellar bowling performance led to New Zealand being bowled out for 259 in their first innings. Sundar, who was a last-minute addition to India’s squad for the second Test, made a significant impact by taking a career-best 7 wickets, leaving New Zealand struggling to build momentum.
Washington Sundar’s Record-Breaking Feat
Sundar’s 7-wicket haul came off 23.1 overs, conceding only 59 runs. His fiery spell dismantled New Zealand’s batting lineup, and in doing so, he became the fifth Indian bowler in history to clean bowl five batsmen in a single innings. He joins the ranks of legendary Indian bowlers such as Jasubhai Patel, Bapu Nadkarni, Anil Kumble, and Ravindra Jadeja who have previously achieved this remarkable feat.
Sundar’s return to the Indian Test side comes after he was excluded from the first Test, which India lost in Bangalore. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the crucial decision to include him in the squad for the remaining matches, a move that paid off as Sundar dominated New Zealand’s innings. His ability to consistently trouble the Kiwi batsmen played a pivotal role in restricting them to a modest total of 259.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I just wanted to make sure I contributed to the team. It was a good day, but we have a lot of work to do in this match,” Sundar said after the day’s play.
Ashwin’s Support and New Zealand’s Collapse
While Sundar led the charge, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also contributed significantly by picking up 3 wickets, further weakening New Zealand’s innings. Ashwin’s precise and experienced bowling complemented Sundar’s aggression, helping India wrap up the Kiwi innings by the end of Day 1.
New Zealand, despite contributions from top-order batsmen such as Tom Latham (64) and Devon Conway (45), failed to capitalize on their starts. The middle and lower order crumbled under sustained pressure from India’s spinners, making it difficult for the visitors to cross the 300-run mark.
India’s Reply: Early Blow for Rohit Sharma
India’s innings began with some early drama as the team ended Day 1 at 16/1 after facing 11 overs. India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, fell cheaply for just 4 runs, leaving the hosts trailing by 243 runs at stumps. New Zealand’s pacers, especially Tim Southee, looked sharp with the new ball and will look to build on their early breakthrough when play resumes on Day 2.
Washington Sundar’s 7-Wicket Milestone Joins Elite List
With his outstanding bowling performance, Washington Sundar became the fifth Indian bowler to clean bowl five batsmen in a Test innings. Here’s the list of Indian bowlers who have achieved this historic feat:
- Jasubhai Patel (v Australia, Kanpur 1959)
- Bapu Nadkarni (v Australia, Brabourne 1960)
- Anil Kumble (v South Africa, Johannesburg 1992)
- Ravindra Jadeja (v Australia, Delhi 2023)
- Washington Sundar (v New Zealand, Pune 2024)
Sundar’s remarkable performance on Day 1 has put India in a commanding position, but with the early loss of their captain, the Indian batting lineup will have to navigate the pressure when play resumes on Day 2.
Scorecard:
- NZ: 259 all out
- IND: 16/1 (11 overs)
- Day 1 Stumps: India trail by 243 runs
