Akash Deep once again demonstrated his prowess with the new ball, making an immediate impact in New Zealand’s second innings during the third and final Test at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. After India wrapped up their innings at 263 on Day 2, captain Rohit Sharma entrusted the new ball to Akash Deep, who rose to the occasion brilliantly.
In the very first over of New Zealand’s innings, Akash Deep struck gold by dismissing captain Tom Latham, who managed to score only one run from four balls. The delivery that claimed Latham’s wicket was nothing short of sensational. It pitched just outside off stump and exhibited late inward movement, cleverly finding its way through the New Zealand skipper’s defense to crash into the stumps.
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Tom Latham attempted to drive the ball but misjudged its trajectory, failing to adjust his stance in time. Holding the bat too tightly, he left a significant gap between the bat and pad, allowing the ball to sneak through with precision.
𝐀𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐚𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐢 𝐤𝐚𝐚𝐦 𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐮 𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐲𝐞 😉#INDvNZ #IDFCFirstBankTestTrophy #JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/13MNtSwl5t
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) November 2, 2024
The sight of the middle and off stumps shattered left New Zealand in a precarious position, trailing early in their innings. Akash Deep celebrated the wicket with fervour, delivering an animated send-off to the Kiwi opener, emphasizing his delight in making such a critical breakthrough.
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This early wicket not only set the tone for India’s bowling attack but also highlighted Akash Deep’s growing reputation as a formidable pacer. His ability to deliver under pressure was evident, and with Latham back in the pavilion, India looked to capitalize on this early advantage to put New Zealand under significant pressure in their second innings.
