On the first day of the final Test in Mumbai, India faced a dramatic collapse, losing three wickets for just eight runs as New Zealand seized the momentum. After a promising start at 78/1 with Yashasvi Jaiswal (30) and Shubman Gill (31*) in control, the game took a turn when Jaiswal’s audacious reverse sweep handed Ajaz Patel his first wicket. This opened the floodgates for New Zealand in a swift ten-minute spell.
Key Dismissals Impact India’s Progress
Nightwatchman Mohammed Siraj’s dismissal, trapped LBW by Ajaz Patel, compounded India’s woes, especially as he wasted a review before departing. Just before stumps, Virat Kohli made a crucial error, attempting a risky single off a drive to mid-on. Matt Henry’s direct hit at the bowler’s end caught Kohli short, showcasing a significant misjudgment from India’s star player.
New Zealand’s Solid First Innings
New Zealand had a solid first innings, with Daryl Mitchell (82) and Will Young (71) anchoring the innings. Their 87-run partnership was vital, especially after Washington Sundar claimed two quick wickets, dismissing Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra. Sundar (4-81) shone in the morning session, while Ravindra Jadeja (5-65) excelled in the latter part of the day, leading to New Zealand losing their last seven wickets for just 76 runs.
Spin Troubles for New Zealand
Despite the pitch-assisting spinners, New Zealand struggled with the bat. Mitchell and Young were proactive, using their footwork effectively, but the Indian spinners, particularly Jadeja and Sundar, proved difficult to handle. Jadeja’s performance placed him among India’s top-five wicket-takers in Test history, overtaking legends like Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma.
India’s Batting Challenges
India’s batting also faced challenges, with Rohit Sharma falling to Matt Henry early on. However, Jaiswal and Gill had steadied the innings until Jaiswal’s untimely dismissal triggered a mini-collapse, giving New Zealand the upper hand.
Looking Ahead: A Crucial Second Day
As the pitch is expected to deteriorate, India must focus on building a strong first-innings score to set up an exciting second day in this thrilling Test match.
