New Zealand quick bowler Tim Southee dealt an important blow to India’s high order on Day 1 of the second Check in Pune by eradicating captain Rohit Sharma for a duck on Thursday (October 24). The Indian skipper, who had proven promise earlier within the sequence, didn’t make an influence, leaving the hosts in an early spot of trouble. Nevertheless, the group stabilized because the day progressed, ending on a extra optimistic notice. With New Zealand already holding a 1-0 lead within the three-match sequence, India will want a powerful efficiency on this Check to remain alive within the contest.
Rohit Sharma dismissed for a duck by Tim Southee
Southee’s skillful bowling proved an excessive amount of for Rohit, who was dismissed for a duck after going through 9 balls. Within the third over of India’s first innings, Southee delivered a well-directed good-length ball, angling into the center and off-stump. Rohit, caught on the again foot with no vital foot motion, tried to defend however was overwhelmed by the sharp inward motion. The ball took a slight deflection off his again pad and clipped the highest of the off-stump, sending the Indian captain again to the pavilion with out scoring. This early breakthrough left India reeling at 1/1, and it additional highlighted Rohit’s ongoing struggles with consistency, following his poor run of scores within the current sequence in opposition to Bangladesh and the primary Check in opposition to New Zealand.
Right here’s the video:
Rohit sharma out pic.twitter.com/7oMHwnNdtJ
— Virat (@chiku_187) October 24, 2024
Additionally READ: Washington Sundar rips via New Zealand with career-best 7-wicket haul in Pune Check
New Zealand’s first innings: Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra lead the cost
New Zealand’s first innings noticed strong contributions from Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, who anchored their group to a complete of 259. Conway was the standout performer, crafting a well-paced 76 off 141 balls, together with 11 boundaries. His innings was marked by persistence and technical precision, particularly in opposition to India’s potent spin assault. Ravindra complemented Conway with an aggressive 65 off 105 balls, that includes a six and 5 boundaries, offering momentum to the center order.
Nevertheless, India’s Washington Sundar turned the tide with a shocking show of bowling, taking his maiden five-wicket haul in Check cricket, with figures of seven/59. His relentless accuracy and skill to extract flip from the Pune pitch proved an excessive amount of for New Zealand’s decrease order. Ravichandran Ashwin additionally performed an important position, claiming three key wickets, together with the top-order batters, to halt New Zealand’s progress and prohibit them beneath 300.
India’s response and sequence context
Regardless of the early blow of dropping Rohit, India managed to regroup by the tip of the day. Younger openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill confirmed resilience, taking India to 16/1 at stumps. Their regular strategy within the remaining overs of the day was essential to keep away from additional harm from New Zealand’s seamers. This Check is pivotal for India, as New Zealand holds a 1-0 lead within the sequence after their dominant eight-wicket victory in Bengaluru. With strain mounting, the second Check affords India an opportunity to struggle again and stage the sequence. A lot will rely upon how effectively Jaiswal, Gill, and the remainder of the Indian batting lineup reply on Day 2 in opposition to New Zealand’s disciplined bowling assault.
Additionally WATCH: Washington Sundar cleans up Tim Southee with a peach of a supply on Day 1 of Pune Check
