On Day 3 of the second Test between India and New ZealandIndian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja bowled an impeccable delivery to clean bowl New Zealand’s middle order batter Tom Blundell.
Ravindra Jadeja’s sizzling delivery cleans up Tom Blundell
The magic moment came in the 60th over of New Zealand’s second innings when Jadeja, coming in around the wicket, executed a delivery at 90kph with superb inward drift. Blundell, misjudging the turn, reached forward defensively but left a crucial gap between bat and pad. Jadeja’s ball whizzed through the opening, clipping the top of the middle stump and sending Blundell packing for 41 off 83 balls, including three boundaries. Visibly relieved and ecstatic, Jadeja raised his arms, celebrating his hard-earned breakthrough wicket of the match.
Here is the video:
A Jadeja jaffa castles Blundell! #INDvNZ #IDFCFirstBankTestTrophy #TeamIndia #JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/d4CQejhsy1
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) October 26, 2024
Jadeja’s vital dismissal of Blundell was just one of three key wickets he claimed in New Zealand’s second innings. Bowling a brilliant spell, he maintained an economy rate of 3.70 and kept up the pressure on the New Zealand lineup. His efforts contributed significantly to limiting New Zealand’s lead, proving his role as an essential component of India’s spin attack on the subcontinental pitches.
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Washington Sundar stands out as Indian spinners lead the attack
New Zealand, despite a lead of 103 runs at the start of their second innings, was bowled out for a total of 255. This score left India with a challenging target of 359 runs to win the match. The visitors struggled primarily due to India’s spin prowess, as the Indian spinners took all ten wickets, echoing their success from the first innings. New Zealand’s total set the stage for a tough but achievable chase for India on a wearing pitch.
India’s spin department was on full display, spearheaded by Washington SundarJadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Sundar emerged as the standout bowler, claiming four wickets in New Zealand’s second innings, and his combined efforts across both innings brought his match total to an impressive 11 wickets. Ashwin also chipped in with two important wickets, complementing Jadeja’s three-wicket haul. Together, the Indian spinners dismantled New Zealand’s lineup and kept India’s hopes alive with a manageable target.
As India took to the field for the chase, openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma started confidently, navigating through New Zealand’s early attack. India ended the first session at 81/1with the only casualty being Rohit. However, in the second session, Indian batting witnessed a collapse and lost 6 more wickets as the hosts reached 178/7 at Tea, needing 181 runs to win the contest.
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