Mumbai: India's response to New Zealand’s total of 235 runs on Day 1 of the Third Test here began with early challenges, as they ended the day struggling at 86 for 4, trailing by 149 runs on Friday.
The home side's batting lineup faced significant pressure from New Zealand's bowlers, with key early wickets derailing their chase.
After winning the toss and opting to field, India had a rough start, losing Rohit Sharma for just 18 runs, caught at slip off the bowling of Matt Henry.
Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal looked to stabilise the innings, but their partnership was short-lived. Jaiswal, who scored 30 runs, fell to a pre-meditated reverse sweep, while Virat Kohli's unexpected run-out for a mere 4 runs further deepened India’s woes.
By stumps, Rishabh Pant (1) and Gill (31*) found themselves at the crease, with India needing to dig deep to recover from a precarious position. The visitors' bowlers effectively exploited the conditions, and with the pitch beginning to offer more turn and bounce, the Indian batsmen will have to adopt a cautious approach in the upcoming sessions.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand had a rocky start after being put in to bat, reaching just 92 for 3 by lunch. Akash Deep provided India with the initial breakthrough by dismissing Devon Conway lbw, while Washington Sundar followed suit, claiming two crucial wickets as the Kiwis struggled against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.
New Zealand eventually collapsed to 235 all out, thanks to a remarkable performance from Jadeja, who claimed five wickets and Sundar four wickets. Daryl Mitchell’s resilient 82 runs were the highlight for the visitors, but he found little support as Jadeja's skillful bowling dismantled the lower order.
With Day 1 concluded, India’s batsmen will need to regroup and mount a significant challenge on Day 2 to reclaim control of the match. The match remains finely poised, with both teams vying for supremacy in a captivating contest.
Brief Scores: New Zealand 235 all out (Daryl Mitchell 82; Ravindra Jadeja 5/65, Washington Sundar 4/81) - India 86 for 4 (Shubman Gill 31*, Yashasvi Jaiswal 30, Rohit Sharma 18, Virat Kohli 4; Matt Henry 1/15, Ajaz Patel 2/33).
