Mumbai: New Zealand’s opening pair began steadily after being put in to bat on a warm morning at Wankhede Stadium, but India struck early to restrict the visitors to 92/3 at lunch on Friday.
The action began when Akash Deep drew the first breakthrough, trapping Devon Conway lbw in the fourth over. Conway, looking for a review, found himself at the mercy of HawkEye, showing three reds, confirming his dismissal. Conway’s brief 11-ball innings saw him hit one boundary before departing, leaving New Zealand at 15/1.
Tom Latham, New Zealand's experienced opener, found his rhythm, combining with Will Young to rebuild.
Latham’s strokeplay included a crisp punch through cover-point off Mohammad Siraj and a precise sweep against Washington Sundar, helping him reach 28 before Sundar outsmarted him.
Sundar's delivery drifted in before holding its line, sneaking past Latham's bat to hit the off-stump. Sundar celebrated his skillful bowling as New Zealand slipped to 59/2.
Rachin Ravindra, aiming to settle, fell victim to Sundar's guile for 5 runs. Attempting a defensive shot, he was beaten by a spinning delivery, watching in dismay as the ball crashed into the off-stump.
Sundar, now the leading spinner for India in this series, took his 13th wicket in three innings. With Ravindra’s exit, New Zealand were in trouble at 72/3.
Young showed resilience, countering with boundaries and deftly managing the spin attack alongside Daryl Mitchell (11*), who survived a chaotic moment at the non-striker's end following a misfielded throw. Despite the mix-up, Young (38*) held his ground, taking New Zealand to a respectable 92/3 by the end of the first session.
India’s bowlers showcased an effective mix of seam and spin, with Sundar emerging as a standout. The variable bounce and sharp turn on offer foreshadow an engaging Test match ahead, with Ashwin and Jadeja set to test New Zealand further in the upcoming sessions.
Brief Scores
Day 1 Lunch: New Zealand 92/3; (Will Young 38*, Daryl Mitchell 11*; Washington Sundar 2/26) vs India.