MUMBAI: New Zealand managed a lead of 143 runs in their second innings after Indian spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja triggered an opposition collapse in a keenly fought third Test on Saturday.
On a pitch offering substantial turn, the tourists finished at 171-9 after Jadeja bowled Matt Henry for his fourth wicket of the innings just before stumps. Ajaz Patel, who had earlier been New Zealand’s bowling hero, was left unbeaten on seven as the Indian spinners repeatedly exploited the sharply turning track at the Wankhede Stadium.
Ajaz was instrumental in keeping the Kiwis in the game earlier in the day, taking five wickets to help bowl India out for 263. His efforts left the hosts with only a narrow 28-run first-innings lead.
Will Young, however, stood resilient amid the Kiwi collapse, scoring 51 before being dismissed by Ashwin in a caught-and-bowled effort. Ashwin was effective with his off-spin, picking up three wickets to strengthen India’s position as they sought a consolation win in the series.
India’s aggressive start with the ball was led by debutant fast bowler Akash Deep, who bowled New Zealand skipper Tom Latham for one in the very first over. Washington Sundar joined the spin assault shortly after, dismissing Devon Conway for 22. Ashwin then removed Rachin Ravindra cheaply, reducing New Zealand to 44-3.
The Kiwis found temporary relief when Young partnered with Daryl Mitchell for a 50-run stand, offering brief resistance to the Indian attack. However, Jadeja’s left-arm spin soon broke through as Mitchell was dismissed for 21, thanks to a stunning backward catch by Ashwin at mid-off. Ashwin continued the assault by removing Tom Blundell.
Earlier in the day, Ajaz Patel was again the thorn in India’s side, adding another chapter to his impressive record at the Wankhede Stadium, where he famously claimed all 10 wickets in an innings in 2021. His five-wicket haul today ended India’s innings at 263, following New Zealand’s first-innings score of 235.
Shubman Gill’s 90 was the highlight of India’s innings, and his counter-attacking partnership with Rishabh Pant, who scored 60, offered India hope as they added 96 crucial runs. Washington Sundar made a quick-fire 38 off 36 balls, keeping the momentum in India’s favour before Ajaz struck once again to dismiss Ashwin, earning his sixth career five-wicket haul.
After resuming on 86-4, India’s batsmen took an aggressive approach to avoid a potential series whitewash. Gill survived a dropped catch by substitute fielder Mark Chapman on 45, off Glenn Phillips’ bowling, before reaching his half-century. Pant raised his own fifty off just 36 balls.
The third Test has provided a thrilling contest between bat and ball, with India looking to avoid a 3-0 series sweep at home after New Zealand secured their first-ever Test series victory in India by winning the first two matches.
