On the first day of the IND vs NZ third Test match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, a total of 14 wickets fell as spinners dominated the action. This sweltering Friday became very special for veteran Indian spinning all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. After struggling in the last two Tests, Jadeja bounced back brilliantly, claiming five wickets and putting India in a strong position. New Zealand, batting first, was bowled out for 235 runs. Daryl Mitchell and Will Young led the scoring for New Zealand with 82 and 71 runs respectively. Besides Jadeja, Washington Sundar has also secured four wickets, effectively dismantling the Kiwi lineup.

In reply, India ended the day with 86 runs on the board, losing four wickets. Experienced batters Rohit Sharma (18) and Virat Kohli (4) failed to make significant impacts, while New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel picked up two key wickets. At stumps, young talents Shubman Gill (31*) and Rishabh Pant (1*) remained steady at the crease for India. The hosts now trail by 149 runs.

New Zealand opted to bat first after winning the toss. The Indian bowlers quickly struck, with Akashdeep dismissing Devon Conway LBW for just 4 runs. Tom Latham and Will Young then partnered for a 44-run stand before Washington Sundar bowled Latham for 28. Sundar continued his form, removing Rachin Ravindra for 5.

At 72/3, New Zealand’s Mitchell and Young built a partnership of 87 runs before Young fell for 71. From there, it turned into the Ravindra Jadeja show. showcased brilliant bowling as he dismissed Tom Blundell (0), Glenn Phillips (17), Ish Sodhi (7), and Matt Henry (0), dominating the New Zealand lineup. With Jadeja’s and Sundar’s brilliancy, the Kiwis are all out in just 235 runs.

Starting their innings, India’s batting order struggled once again under pressure. Indian captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed after scoring 18 off 18 balls. India reached 78/1 at one point, but then lost three wickets in quick succession, including Yashasvi Jaiswal for 30, Mohammed Siraj for a duck, and Virat Kohli, who was run out for 4 runs. At stumps, Shubman Gill was unbeaten on 31, with Rishabh Pant not out on 1. Ajaz Patel took two wickets for New Zealand, while William O’Rourke picked up one.

Like in the previous Bangalore and Pune Tests, India finds themselves under pressure. Day 2 will be critical as the hosts look to mount a strong response to New Zealand’s first-innings total.

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