IND vs NZ: "Focused on hitting the right areas," Washington Sundar after 7/59 vs New Zealand in Pune test

Washington Sundar claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in test cricket against New Zealand in Pune.

Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar displayed a stunning performance with the ball in the ongoing second test in Pune against New Zealand. The all-rounder bagged a seven-wicket haul on Day 1 of the match, helping the hosts bundle out the Black Caps for 259 runs.

After losing the Bengaluru test, the Indian management included Sundar in the squad ahead of the second test and picked him in the playing XI in place of Kuldeep Yadav. The youngster justified his selection as he picked up career-best figures of 7/59 on the opening day of the Pune test.

Sundar, who made his test debut against Australia in the Gabba test in 2021, has often found himself on the sidelines because of injuries and seasoned spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin playing ahead of him.

Rachin Ravindra’s wicket was the favourite wicket: Washington Sundar

New Zealand were in control at one point, with Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell threatening to stitch a big partnership.

At one point, the Black Caps were 197/3 and looked set for a total in excess of 300. However, Sundar’s spell just before the tea break shifted the momentum towards India.

In the 60th over, Washington Sundar outclassed Rachin with a peach delivery that dipped and spun sharply. From that point, the visitors surrendered against Sundar’s masterclass. New Zealand lost their last seven wickets to Sundar.

After the end of play, Washington Sundar said that Rachin’s dismissal was his favourite wicket.

“Just focused on hitting the right areas consistently. We knew it would start spinning from Day 1. (On whether there was a favourite wicket) Certainly the Rachin Ravindra wicket, because he was batting really well, and even the Daryl Mitchell wicket.” Washington Sundar said.

New Zealand bundled out for 259 runs in the ongoing Pune test

Opener Devon Conway top-scored for the Kiwis with 76 runs. Rachin Ravindra continued his good form and notched up 65 runs off 105 balls. For India, Ravichandran Ashwin bagged a three-wicket haul while Sundar claimed seven wickets.

In India’s first innings, the hosts lost their skipper Rohit Sharma for a nine-ball duck. Tim Southee removed Sharma.

At stumps on Day 1, India are at 16/1 in 11 overs. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (6*) and Shubman Gill (10*) are at the crease and India are trailing by 243 runs.

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