In a tense third day of the Mumbai Test, India’s batting lineup struggled against New Zealand’s spin attack, reaching 92/6 by lunch while chasing a target of 147. New Zealand, bowled out for 174 earlier in the session, appeared set for a comeback as spinner Ajaz Patel once again dominated, adding four wickets to his impressive haul. Patel, who took five wickets in India’s first innings, now has a match tally of nine, proving pivotal in stalling India’s chase.
Despite the batting collapse, Rishabh Pant stood resilient with an aggressive 53* off 41 balls, hitting five boundaries and a six. He was joined by Washington Sundar (6*), who held one end as India looked to regroup. With only 55 runs needed to secure a win and avoid a series whitewash, India faces a tense challenge from New Zealand’s spinners as they aim to close out the series on a high note in the final innings.
On a gripping third day of the final Test in Mumbai, India found themselves struggling as they pursued a modest target of 147, with their batting lineup stalling at 92/6 by lunch. The collapse has put India under pressure, with New Zealand’s spinners, particularly Ajaz Patel, leading the charge in an intense final innings that has swung the momentum back toward the visitors. In a low-scoring Test where every run and wicket matters, India now faces a challenging task to secure a win and avoid a clean sweep by New Zealand. Here’s a closer look at how the session unfolded and the key factors at play.
Morning Session: New Zealand All Out for 174
The day began with New Zealand resuming their innings on 140/5, aiming to stretch their lead as far as possible to put pressure on the Indian side. However, India’s bowlers kept a tight grip on the game, with Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin delivering stellar performances. Jadeja, in particular, was impressive, consistently finding turn and troubling the New Zealand batsmen. His left-arm spin, combined with Ashwin’s off-spin, left New Zealand struggling for runs. The Kiwi lower-order batters couldn’t add much to the score, and their innings ended at 174, with a slim lead of 146.
Jadeja’s five-wicket haul was instrumental, as he finished with figures of 5/55, proving why he is one of India’s most valuable players, especially in home conditions. Ashwin supported him well with three wickets of his own, keeping New Zealand under pressure and never allowing them to build any significant partnerships in the lower order.
India’s Chase: Ajaz Patel Strikes Early
With a target of 147 set for India, the chase looked manageable, but New Zealand’s spinners, particularly Ajaz Patel, had different plans. Patel, who took five wickets in India’s first innings and bowled brilliantly on a spinning track, resumed his form in the second innings. In a display of masterful left-arm spin, Patel dismissed India’s top-order batters with clever variations and subtle turn, adding four wickets to his match tally. His ability to extract spin and bounce on the Mumbai track created numerous challenges for the Indian batters.
Within the first few overs, India’s chase seemed to be going downhill as they lost wickets at regular intervals. The opening partnership failed to give India the solid start they needed, with Patel removing Shubman Gill early. Soon after, India’s mainstays, including captain Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Shreyas Iyer, all fell cheaply, further denting India’s hopes of a smooth chase. Patel’s haul of nine wickets in the match underscores his impact, showing how effectively he has used the Mumbai pitch to New Zealand’s advantage.
Rishabh Pant Fights Back
As wickets tumbled around him, Rishabh Pant took on the responsibility of holding the innings together. Known for his aggressive style, Pant played counter-attacking cricket, reaching a rapid half-century even as the team’s situation looked bleak. His 53* off 41 balls has kept India’s hopes alive, with five boundaries and a six highlighting his aggressive intent. Instead of playing cautiously, Pant took on the New Zealand spinners, particularly Patel, by stepping down the pitch and using unconventional shots to disrupt their rhythm.
Pant’s innings was crucial in keeping India in the game, as he seemed to be the only batter able to handle the New Zealand spinners effectively. His attacking approach put some pressure back on the New Zealand bowlers, and he found a tentative ally in Washington Sundar, who managed to hold one end with six not out by the lunch interval.
With 55 runs still needed to win, Pant’s resilience and aggression will be crucial in the post-lunch session if India is to prevent a collapse and snatch a victory. His innings has been a reminder of the value of counter-attacking play in challenging conditions, and his ability to adjust his game to the situation has kept India in the hunt.
New Zealand’s Spin Masterclass: Patel’s Nine-Wicket Haul
Ajaz Patel’s performance has been the standout of the match so far. After his five-wicket haul in India’s first innings, he continued to be a thorn in India’s side, taking four more wickets in the second innings and bringing his match tally to an impressive nine wickets. Patel’s control, flight, and ability to turn the ball sharply made him nearly unplayable on this surface, and his success highlights the impact that a skilled left-arm spinner can have in Indian conditions.
Patel’s performance is particularly significant as he has been a one-man army in the spin department, with minimal assistance from the other bowlers. He used subtle variations in pace and length to trap the Indian batters, who struggled to handle his bowling despite being familiar with spin-friendly conditions. Patel’s achievements in this Test are a testament to his skill and resilience, as he has kept New Zealand’s hopes alive single-handedly.
The Road Ahead: India’s Tense Path to Victory
With only 55 runs needed but just four wickets in hand, the outcome of this Test is delicately balanced. India’s batting depth, with Pant still at the crease and capable lower-order batters like Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin yet to come, gives them a slight edge. However, Patel’s continued threat makes it difficult to predict which way the game will turn.
For India, the key will be to preserve wickets while accumulating runs steadily. Pant’s aggressive playstyle has worked so far, but the team might need him to adopt a slightly more cautious approach if Patel continues to make breakthroughs. Sundar and Ashwin, both of whom are capable with the bat, will need to offer Pant solid support.
New Zealand, on the other hand, will look to maintain pressure and capitalize on any lapse in concentration from India’s remaining batters. Patel, along with any support from other bowlers, will aim to keep the runs in check and break the partnership between Pant and Sundar quickly. With the pitch offering ample assistance for spinners, New Zealand’s strategy will likely focus on consistently attacking lines and exploiting any footmarks or rough patches that can help turn the ball sharply.
Key Takeaways from the Match So Far
Ajaz Patel’s Dominance: Patel’s nine-wicket haul has been a game-changer, emphasizing how effective spin bowling can be on Indian pitches. His persistence and precision have kept New Zealand competitive.
India’s Fragile Top Order: India’s top-order collapse in both innings reveals a vulnerability against spin, something they will look to address. Losing key players cheaply put immense pressure on the middle order, particularly on Pant.
Rishabh Pant’s Counter-Attack: Pant’s innings has underscored the value of aggressive, counter-attacking play, especially in challenging conditions. His approach has kept India’s chances alive.
Low-Scoring Thriller: With the match turning out to be a low-scoring affair, each run has become critical. The pitch’s behavior has kept both teams in contention, making this a fascinating contest.