IND vs NZ | Sensational Sundar spell sires seven scalps as Kiwis succumb for 259 on Day 1 in Pune

With the sun blazing down, New Zealand skipper Tom Latham won the toss and chose to bat first on Thursday before walking out into the middle with his opening partner Devon Conway. The duo began cautiously with movement in the air but pounced upon any lose deliveries, of which Akash Deep offered plenty, and had racked up 30 runs by the end of just seven overs. Rohit Sharma responded by bringing Ravichandran Ashwin into the attack and the move paid dividends instantly as the spinner produced delightful turn to trap the Kiwi captain plumb in front. The veteran operated brilliantly in tandem with domestic teammate Washington Sundar, the two off-spinners placing a stranglehold on the visiting batsmen, until Will Young  gloved one behind off Ashwin to depart for 18. Conway and Rachin Ravindra ensured there were no more blows in the session and took the team through to Lunch at 92/2.

Conway began the second session with aplomb, stroking Bumrah for three boundaries in the same over to bring up a patient half-century, as the partnership steadily grew to 71 runs. Rohit turned to Ashwin again, and this time the 38-year-old took 14 balls to deliver the breakthrough by forcing Conway into a wide push, resulting in an excellent catch by Pant behind the stumps. However, the Kiwis continued to persist through Rachin and Daryl Mitchell, the former keeping up his stellar form with a fourth Test fifty. With another 60-run stand now on the cards, aided by another expensive spell from Akash Deep, Rohit handed the ball back to Sundar and a procession followed. The 25-year-old began with an unplayable corker to dismantle Rachin’s off-stump before castling Tom Blundell with an arm delivery in his next over to send the Kiwis into Tea at 201/5.

However, the Kiwis refused to go gentle into the good night, and a Southee corker meant Rohit Sharma was squared up for a nine ball duck. Nevertheless, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill showed utmost focus to survive the 11 overs as India ended the day on 16/1, trailing New Zealand by 243 runs.