On Saturday, Rishabh Pant started the second day with a six off the spinner Ajaz Patel, setting up the momentum for India which sincerely lacked on opening day. But when everything seemed right, miscommunication between Ajinkya Rahane and Pant in the middle cut short Pant’s innings.
In the 59th over, Rahane played the shot towards backward point and soon he scampered for a single. On the other hand. Pant was not ready for the run. At the same point, Patel appeared on the screen. His accurate throw found Pant well short of his crease. The southpaw scored just 19 runs.
Then, Ravichandran Ashwin was the only promising batter left in the order. Surprisingly, he was bowled on the very first ball of Tim Southee. Soon, Rahane was also sent back as he managed gritty 46 runs. The fast bowler Mohammed Shami had a small cameo, scoring 21 runs off 20 balls. In the end, the visitors were bundled out for a paltry 165 runs courtesy Southee’s four-wicket haul.
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1st Test, Wellington – New Zealand lead by 51 runs:
The pacer Ishant Sharma took the charge of the game from the start, to dismiss Kiwi’s openers; Tom Latham and Tom Blundell. New Zealand were 73 for two. But soon the skipper Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor started delivering against India’s pacer. Then, Ishant came back into the scene, sending off Ross Taylor for 44. The duo set up a partnership of 93 runs for the third wicket.
Williamson continued his masterpiece, striking back-to-back boundaries and kept the scoreboard ticking. But then Mohammed Shami ended Kane’s innings with Ravindra Jadeja pouching a brilliant catch at short cover. And then India was back in the game.
Henry Nicholls was sent back by Ashwin.
Meanwhile, the day ended with 71 overs bowled and New Zealand scored 216 runs.
Besides, BJ Watling and Colin de Grandhomme will resume Kiwis innings on Day 3.
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India’s innings:
New Zealand’s innings:
