India took the lead on the first day of the Pune Test against New Zealand, thanks to a brilliant performance by Washington Sundar who claimed his first five-wicket haul in international cricket. Sundar’s spell of 7/59 helped India restrict New Zealand to 259 in their first innings.
After R Ashwin provided the initial breakthrough by dismissing Tom Latham, Sundar took over and dismantled the Kiwi batting lineup. He accounted for key wickets including Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and Mitchell Santner. Despite a fighting fifty from Rachin Ravindra, New Zealand could not capitalize on their starts.
In reply, India lost Rohit Sharma early but Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill steadied the ship and took India to 16/1 at the end of the day’s play. With a solid platform set, India will look to build a substantial lead on day two.
