India vs New Zealand LIVE Score 3rd Test Day 2: Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill Shine as India Surpasses 100 with a Strong Start
Follow the live updates of Day 2 in the 3rd Test between India and New Zealand as Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill get off to a blazing start, helping India cruise past the 100-run mark.
India vs New Zealand
India vs New Zealand LIVE Score 3rd Test Day 2: Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill have both reached their fifties within the first hour of play, putting pressure back on the New Zealand bowlers at the start of Day 2. Gill hit his fifty off 66 balls, while Pant, who began the day with just one run, achieved his half-century in a blistering 36 balls. Pant's aggressive batting helped their partnership exceed 50 runs and reduced India's deficit to under 100 in just over half an hour.
However, a dramatic collapse at the end of Day 1 saw India go from a position of strength to struggling at 86/4, having lost three quick wickets in just ten minutes. They began the day at 78/1 with only two overs left but now trail by 149 runs at Wankhede Stadium. The pitch is likely to pose challenges as the ball ages, raising concerns for the Indian team, desperate for a victory after two previous losses.
New Zealand, initially feeling some pressure, now finds themselves in a stronger position after taking quick wickets, giving them an edge heading into Day 2. The Kiwis will be looking to exploit India’s vulnerabilities against spin, particularly after the 20-over mark.
India still has a solid batting lineup, with Pant and Gill at the crease and Sarfaraz Khan yet to come, along with Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Ravichandran Ashwin. The batters will need to regroup and form strong partnerships after the mini-collapse at the end of Day 1.
For New Zealand, Ajaz Patel is expected to lead the spin attack in the absence of Mitchell Santner. While they have pace options in Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke, their spin resources are limited, which could impact their strategy.
Shubman Gill, who is currently batting 31 off 38 balls after a shaky start, needs to convert this into a substantial number of innings. Rishabh Pant, eager to bounce back after a disappointing run-out in the previous match, aims to add significantly to India's score.
Earlier in the day, India appeared to be in control, responding to New Zealand’s total of 235. Rohit Sharma struggled against pace and fell to a rising delivery from Matt Henry. However, Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal steadied the innings with positive play until Jaiswal’s ill-timed reverse sweep off Ajaz Patel led to his dismissal.
Mohammed Siraj was sent in as a night watchman but lasted only one ball before being caught LBW. Virat Kohli also fell victim to a run-out in the final over, as Matt Henry’s accurate throw caught him short of the crease. These three quick wickets have left New Zealand feeling optimistic as they prepare to bowl again.
New Zealand capitalised on challenging conditions, with a solid partnership between Will Young and Daryl Mitchell contributing to their score. Akash Deep dismissed Devon Conway cheaply, while Washington Sundar took key wickets of Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra. Ravindra Jadeja also made his mark by claiming his 14th Test five-wicket haul, moving up the ranks of India's Test wicket-takers.
Highlights from India vs New Zealand 3rd Test Day 2:
- Rishabh Pant scored his half-century in just 36 balls.
- Shubman Gill reached his fifty in 66 balls.
- The partnership between Pant and Gill exceeded 50 runs in 56 balls.
- India started the day at 86/4, with Gill on 31 and Pant on 1.
- A chaotic end to Day 1 saw India lose three wickets in rapid succession.
- New Zealand was all out for 235 runs, with Ravindra Jadeja taking five wickets.
