2nd Test
Day-3 Morning Session Highlights:
Yashasvi Jaiswal has propelled India’s fast-paced start in the chase for 359
At The Lunch of Day-3:
New Zealand scored 259 (1st Innings) and 255 (2nd Innings), where as India scored 156 (1st Innings) and 81/1 (2nd Innings).
So, finally New Zealand lead by 277 runs.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has raced to 46* off just 36 balls as India launched a swift start in pursuit of a daunting target of 359 on the third morning of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune.
Undeterred by the challenging pitch and the large target, Jaiswal made his intent clear by smashing the second ball of the Indian innings for six off Tim Southee.
Similar to India’s aggressive second innings in Bengaluru, the hosts have once again displayed remarkable intent, although they did lose captain Rohit Sharma early.
Sharma became Mitchell Santner’s eighth wicket of the match, stepping out and offering a bat-pad catch to short leg.
Shubman Gill (22* off 20) has also approached his innings proactively, showing improved technique against spin.
Both batsmen effectively used sweeps, demonstrating good adaptability.
The highlight of the session was Jaiswal’s elegant lofted shot over extra cover against Glenn Phillips just before the break.
While the pitch presents its challenges, India’s aggressive batting has certainly caught New Zealand off guard.
Earlier, India wrapped up the last five New Zealand wickets for just 57 runs added to their overnight score.
The first 30 minutes were tough for India, but everything changed when Ravindra Jadeja bowled Tom Blundell with a skiddy arm-ball, triggering a collapse for the tourists.
Santner holed out against Jadeja, and Tim Southee edged one to first slip, leading to a flurry of wickets.
Ajaz Patel mis-hit a lofted shot, leaving Phillips to play his shots but ultimately running out of partners, with No. 11 William O’Rourke being run out at the non-striker’s end.
Despite the collapse, New Zealand’s lead of 358 is substantial on most pitches, especially on this deteriorating surface in Pune.
However, India has already chipped away 81 runs off that target with their attacking approach.
It’s evident the hosts will continue to press hard against the bowling, but this strategy may also provide New Zealand opportunities to exploit the batting lineup.
It promises to be an exciting day of play.
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