Ajaz Patel’s Five Wickets Give New Zealand Hope

AFP/APP

Mumbai: New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel took an impressive five-wicket haul as New Zealand bowled out India for 263 on day two of the third Test in Mumbai, with the hosts securing a 28-run lead.

India’s Shubman Gill top-scored with 90, forming a 96-run partnership with overnight partner Rishabh Pant, who struck a brisk 60.

Washington Sundar added a quick 38 not out off 36 balls, helping India edge past New Zealand’s first-innings total of 235 before they were bowled out in the second session.

Ajaz, born in Mumbai, proved instrumental in dismantling India’s lineup. He dismissed Sarfaraz Khan for a duck, followed by Gill, who fell after an aggressive innings. Ajaz’s effort marked his sixth career five-wicket haul, reminiscent of his 10-wicket achievement at the same venue in 2021.

In New Zealand’s second innings, they began at a rocky pace as India’s Akash Deep removed skipper Tom Latham for just one run in the first over. New Zealand reached 26-1 at tea, with Devon Conway and Will Young steadying the innings at 15 and eight, respectively.

India, trailing 0-2 in the series, are determined to avoid a 3-0 series whitewash at home.