Washington Sundar had an unforgettable day at Pune’s MCA Stadium during the second Test between India and New Zealand, delivering a stellar performance with the ball. The offspinner was in top form, claiming his sixth wicket of the innings by dismissing Ajaz Patel with a brilliant delivery. Sundar’s control and sharpness were on full display as he bowled a fuller ball with a flatter trajectory, drawing Patel into a defensive position.
Ajaz Patel, caught on the back foot, managed only an inside edge as the ball crashed into his stumps. This wicket marked the ninth of the day for India, with Sundar responsible for six of them—a true testament to his bowling prowess.
However, Sundar wasn’t finished yet. In his very next over, he added another scalp to his tally, sending Mitchell Santner back to the pavilion. Sundar bowled a good-length delivery right on the stumps, tempting Santner into a defensive stroke. The ball, however, had other ideas, fizzing past the outside edge of Santner’s bat and hitting the off stump.
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It was a textbook offspinner’s dismissal, and Santner was left bewildered as he glanced back at the surface, seemingly trying to comprehend what had just happened.
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) October 24, 2024
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) October 24, 2024
With Washington Sundar leading the charge, New Zealand was eventually bowled out for 259, a total that could have been higher had it not been for Sundar’s brilliant spell. His ability to exploit the conditions and baffle the left-handers made a significant impact, and his six-wicket haul became the highlight of the day.
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India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli , Rishabh Pant (w), Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah
New Zealand (Playing XI): Tom Latham(c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell(w), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William ORourke
Has to be one of the most inspired selections of all time for India right? Washington Sundar returning with 7/59 when picked out of the blue with India behind in a home series & under immense pressure as a team. Credit to @imAagarkar and his team #IndvNZ
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) October 24, 2024
After meddling into our politics, Washington now interfering into our Cricket as well. Bahut Sundar!
— Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) October 24, 2024
Massive credit to the captain, coach and team management for bringing back Washington Sundar.
– He didn’t play a single Test in 3 years and straight away got an opportunity to perform after India lost the first Test. Sundar delivered with a five wicket haul. 👌🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/u0rTRuQ0q1
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 24, 2024
We often criticise Indian selectors and team managements, but we do not praise them often.
The Washington Sundar selection deserves A LOT OF credit.
— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) October 24, 2024
Got an opportunity, grabbed it with both hands and more. Well done Sundar and selectors/team management. They take the brickbats, should get praise too.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) October 24, 2024
From 197-3 to 259 all out. Take a bow, Washington Sundar. pic.twitter.com/iv0uFg3zWU
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) October 24, 2024
