In a thrilling Day 1 of the third and final Test match between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Ravindra Jadeja showcased his exceptional bowling skills by taking 5 wickets for 65 runs. This impressive performance not only helped India restrict New Zealand to 235 runs but also saw Jadeja equal the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi for the most five-wicket hauls by an Indian left-arm spinner.
Jadeja’s Record-Equalling Performance
At 35 years old, Jadeja’s achievement is a testament to his skill and resilience as a bowler. With this latest five-wicket haul, he now has 14 such hauls in his career, matching Bedi’s record. Remarkably, both spinners have taken 76 wickets in their respective 14 five-wicket hauls, highlighting their effectiveness and consistency on the field.
Jadeja’s wickets included notable dismissals like Will Young, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Ish Sodhi, and Matt Henry. His ability to dismantle the New Zealand batting order was crucial in putting India in a favorable position as they aimed for victory in this decisive match.
Early Contributions from Akash Deep and Washington Sundar
Before Jadeja’s heroics, Indian bowlers Akash Deep and Washington Sundar made significant early inroads. Their contributions set the stage for Jadeja to shine, as they effectively contained the Kiwis and built pressure that eventually led to New Zealand’s collapse.
India’s Batting Struggles
Despite Jadeja’s standout performance with the ball, India’s batting lineup faced unexpected difficulties. After a promising start of 78 runs for just one wicket, the team found itself reeling at 86 for 4. The dismissals of key players, including Rohit Sharma (18), Virat Kohli (4), and Yashasvi Jaiswal (30), raised concerns among Indian fans.
Jaiswal’s aggressive attempt at a reverse slog sweep off Ajaz Patel ended in his downfall, and Mohammed Siraj, brought in as a nightwatchman, was dismissed leg-before-wicket on the very next ball. Kohli’s run-out only added to India’s woes as they struggled to maintain momentum against a determined New Zealand side.
The Road Ahead
As the match progresses, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant will be pivotal for India as they aim to recover from the precarious situation. Their performance will be crucial in determining India’s chances of building a substantial lead and capitalizing on Jadeja’s remarkable bowling display.
Conclusion
Ravindra Jadeja’s achievement in equalling Bishan Singh Bedi’s record underscores his status as one of India’s premier left-arm spinners. His 5-wicket haul is not just a personal milestone but also a critical factor in the ongoing Test match against New Zealand. As the game unfolds, cricket fans eagerly anticipate how the Indian batting lineup will respond and whether they can turn the tide in their favor.
