Fri Nov 01 06:18:19 UTC 2024: ## India Struggles Against New Zealand in Mumbai Test
**Mumbai, India:** The third and final Test match between India and New Zealand began on Friday at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, with New Zealand winning the toss and electing to bat first.
The Kiwis made two changes to their team, bringing in Ish Sodhi for Mitchell Santner due to a side strain and Matt Henry for Tim Southee. India, on the other hand, made a single change, bringing in Mohammed Siraj in place of the rested Jasprit Bumrah.
The first day of the match saw a strong start for New Zealand, with Will Young (38) and Daryl Mitchell (11) leading the charge. However, India fought back with Washington Sundar taking two wickets, including the prized scalp of Tom Latham (28), and Akash Deep taking one.
At lunch, New Zealand were 73/3, with Young and Mitchell still at the crease. The match holds immense importance for India, as a win is crucial for their World Test Championship final aspirations. A loss would also mark their first clean sweep in a home Test series since 2000.
India will be hoping to turn the tide in the second session and claw their way back into the match.
First Piper 