Late Strikes Give New Zealand the Edge on Day 1

New Zealand gained the upper hand at the end of a fluctuating Day 1 in the final Test in Mumbai, taking three quick wickets before stumps to leave India reeling at 86/4. India seemed comfortable at 78/1, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (30) and Shubman Gill (31*) in control. But Jaiswal’s ill-advised reverse sweep gave Ajaz Patel his first wicket, sparking a late collapse for India. Nightwatchman Mohammed Siraj fell LBW to Ajaz shortly after, burning a review on the way, and Virat Kohli was run out by a direct hit from Matt Henry after a risky single attempt, capping off a disappointing end to the day for India.

Earlier, New Zealand's decision to bat first paid off moderately as they managed a total of 235 on a Wankhede pitch that started to offer assistance to spinners as the day progressed. Daryl Mitchell (82) and Will Young (71) were key contributors, with their 87-run partnership stabilizing New Zealand’s innings after early strikes from Washington Sundar (4-81). Ravindra Jadeja (5-65) then took over, excelling in the afternoon session as India’s spinners dominated. Jadeja was particularly effective, breaking into India’s top-five wicket-takers in Tests as he and Sundar dismantled New Zealand’s batting line-up, which lost its last seven wickets for just 76 runs.

In reply, India’s openers had a solid start until Rohit Sharma fell early to Matt Henry. Jaiswal and Gill seemed to be stabilizing the innings, but Jaiswal’s lapse in judgment set off a late flurry of wickets, swinging the momentum in New Zealand’s favor. With conditions expected to favor spin even more, India will need a strong first-innings total to stay competitive, setting up an intense Day 2.

Brief Scores:

• New Zealand: 235 (Daryl Mitchell 82, Will Young 71; Ravindra Jadeja 5-65, Washington Sundar 4-81)
• India: 86/4 (Shubman Gill 31*, Yashasvi Jaiswal 30; Ajaz Patel 2-33)

New Zealand leads by 149 runs.