Sat Nov 02 22:12:32 UTC 2024: ## Jadeja’s Spin Web Traps New Zealand as India Take Control on Day 2
**Mumbai, India:** Ravindra Jadeja spun a web of wickets on Day 2 of the third Test at the Wankhede Stadium, as India tightened their grip on the match against New Zealand. The left-arm spinner claimed four wickets in the second innings, reducing the Kiwis to their last wicket at the close of play.
New Zealand, who were chasing a target of 28 runs to win, were left reeling at 171/9 at stumps, trailing India by 143 runs. The visitors had earlier resumed their second innings on 26/1, facing a daunting task of chasing down India’s first innings total of 263.
Jadeja’s heroics came after a strong start by New Zealand’s Will Young and Daryl Mitchell. The pair put on a 50-run partnership, pushing the Kiwis’ lead over 50. However, Jadeja, who has been in superb form with the ball this series, broke the stand with a stunning catch by Ravichandran Ashwin.
Jadeja then followed up by claiming the wickets of Tom Blundell, Rachin Ravindra, and Matt Henry, further dented New Zealand’s hopes of a comeback.
Earlier in the day, India had resumed their first innings on 86/4, with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant looking to rebuild the innings. The duo put on a quickfire 96-run stand, with Pant reaching his half-century in a blistering 36 balls. However, India’s progress was halted by a flurry of wickets in the second session. Ajaz Patel, who had taken a five-wicket haul in the first innings, took another three wickets, including that of Gill, who was dismissed for 90.
Despite the loss of wickets, India managed to build a crucial lead before being bowled out for 263. Washington Sundar, who remained unbeaten on 38, played a crucial role in the final stages of the innings.
With New Zealand facing a daunting task of chasing a target, India will look to capitalise on their strong position and secure a series victory on the final day.
First Piper 