New Zealand was bowled out for 262 after Jadeja and Ashwin turned the tables on New Zealand. Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of the bowlers for India picking 5 wickets while Ashwin picked 4 wickets to give India 56 runs lead.
The Indian team are in strong position with a lead of 215 runs with 9 wickets in hand. “We knew that it is Kane who can really bat for long in their line-up. The plan was to get him out. We know others can’t bat for long hours. We got four wickets in the morning session and that was game-changing,” Jadeja said at a press conference at the end of day’s play.
“He asked me to bowl in rough areas and look for angles and bowling from wide of the crease. There were a lot of footmarks around the off stump area. He told me that those marks will have a bearing on the minds of the batsmen,” he said.
“I have been playing on these pitches for the last so many years. Since my Under-14, Under 16, Under 19 days, I have played on similar pitches, same conditions. We have also played on under-prepared pitches so that gives you experience,” he said.
After being 152 for 1, the New Zealand batsmen lost four wickets in the morning session especially the wicket of Kane Williamson who was looking threating. After that, the Indian spinners just ran through the lower order. Jadeja picked 3 wickets in an over and just changed the fortune of the match.
Kane Williamson was brilliantly bowled by Ashwin which led to India in such commanding situation. India will be looking to pile up more runs and take New Zealand out of the game.