Washington Sundar's 7 wickets lead India amid early setback against New Zealand in second Test

In the second Test match against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium, Washington Sundar emerged as the standout performer for India, claiming an impressive seven wickets. His remarkable bowling effort was critical in containing New Zealand’s scoring and keeping India in the contest despite facing an early setback with the bat. Sundar's performance has been hailed as a testament to his growing stature in the Indian cricketing setup.

New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision that initially appeared beneficial as their openers started strong, establishing a solid partnership. Devon Conway and Tom Latham laid a strong foundation, capitalizing on the good batting conditions. However, Sundar’s entry into the attack turned the tide. His exceptional spin bowling caused significant trouble for the New Zealand batsmen, leading to their downfall in the middle order.

Sundar's bowling figures showcased his skill and determination, taking crucial wickets at pivotal moments. He dismissed key batsmen, including Latham and Conway, both of whom were looking set for big scores. Sundar’s variations and sharp turn proved too challenging for the New Zealand batsmen, and his performance ultimately helped restrict the visitors to a total that, while competitive, was manageable for the Indian batting lineup.

Despite Sundar's heroics, India faced an uphill battle with the bat. The team struggled against New Zealand's disciplined bowling attack, which made early inroads into the Indian batting order. The pressure mounted as India lost wickets at regular intervals, with the top order failing to capitalize on any momentum. This left the lower order to shoulder the responsibility, adding to the team’s woes.

One of the key highlights of the match was the overall bowling performance from the New Zealand team, particularly the discipline exhibited by their pace attack. Bowlers like Tim Southee and Trent Boult maintained consistent pressure on the Indian batsmen, forcing them into making mistakes. Their ability to exploit the conditions effectively played a crucial role in the match’s narrative.

As the Test progressed, the focus was not only on Sundar but also on how India would respond to the challenges posed by New Zealand's bowlers. With Sundar leading the charge, the Indian team looked to build partnerships and find stability at the crease. The team's ability to regroup and recover from the early setbacks became paramount in setting a competitive target.