New Zealand faced an early challenge when Akash Deep dismissed Devon Conway in the fourth over, but Will Young and Tom Latham steadied the innings, reaching 27/1 by the eighth over. India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, then introduced spin, with Ravichandran Ashwin conceding just one run in his first over and Washington Sundar took two key wickets, including that of Latham, leaving New Zealand at 92/3 at lunch. After the break, hot and humid conditions led to multiple drinks breaks, but Young continued to thrive, reaching his half-century off 94 balls. He and Daryl Mitchell formed a solid partnership, adding 70 runs and bringing New Zealand’s score to 142/3 after 41 overs. However, it was Ravindra Jadeja’s consecutive wickets that provided the Indian side with a much-needed boost.
On the second ball of the 45th over, Ravindra Jadeja delivered a fuller ball outside off stump that turned off the surface. Will Young attempted to defend but was beaten by the turn, resulting in an outside edge that Rohit Sharma comfortably caught at first slip. Jadeja then showcased his skill again in the same over with a good-length delivery aimed at Blundell’s leg stump. The Kiwi wicketkeeper, trying to defend from the back foot, was caught off guard as the ball hit the top of off stump, igniting excitement among the Indian players as they roared back into the contest with two crucial breakthroughs from Jadeja. Fans on Twitter celebrated the Jamnagar star’s impactful performance, taking to social media to share their enthusiasm.
