**India Vs New Zealand 2nd Test Day 1: Highlights**

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Post on Oct 24, 2024

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India vs New Zealand 2nd Test Day 1: Highlights - A Day of Grit and Resilience

The second Test match between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai witnessed a fascinating day of cricket, filled with resilience, grit, and moments of brilliance. Here are the key highlights from Day 1:

India's Strong Start and Williamson's Counter-Attack

India began the day on a strong note, bowling out New Zealand for a modest 108 in the first innings. Mohammed Siraj proved to be the wrecker-in-chief, picking up a remarkable 5-wicket haul, including the prized scalp of Kane Williamson. Ravichandran Ashwin also chipped in with 2 wickets.

However, New Zealand captain Williamson fought back with a determined knock of 61 runs, showcasing his class and resilience. His innings were crucial in giving New Zealand some respectability in their first innings.

A Challenging Pitch and the Indian Batsmen's Struggle

The Wankhede pitch, known for its unpredictable nature, presented a challenge for the Indian batsmen. The pitch offered significant bounce and turn, making it difficult for the batsmen to score freely.

Despite a solid start by Rohit Sharma (26 runs) and KL Rahul (22 runs), the Indian batting order faltered. Shubman Gill (12 runs) and Virat Kohli (36 runs) also struggled to find their rhythm against the Kiwi bowlers.

A Crucial Partnership and the End of Day's Play

The day ended with India at 105/4, still trailing New Zealand by 3 runs. Cheteshwar Pujara (30 runs) and Shreyas Iyer (12 runs) are at the crease and will be crucial in building a strong foundation for India in the second innings.

Key Takeaways from Day 1

• Siraj's Dominance: Siraj's five-wicket haul was a testament to his current form and ability to move the ball both ways.
• Williamson's Resilience: Williamson's 61-run knock was a reminder of his class and leadership qualities.
• A Tough Pitch: The Wankhede pitch played a significant role in shaping the day's play, making it challenging for both batting and bowling.
• The Indian Batting Challenge: The Indian batting order needs to find a way to adapt to the challenging conditions and build a strong total in the second innings.

Day 1 of the second Test was a thrilling encounter with the match still hanging in the balance. India will be looking to capitalize on their advantage and secure a comfortable lead in the second innings. With the pitch expected to continue offering assistance to the spinners, the battle between bat and ball is expected to be an enthralling one in the coming days.