New Zealand’s relentless bowling attack has put India on the back foot in the second Test in Mumbai, leaving the hosts with a daunting task to avoid a series defeat.
On a challenging pitch that offered significant turn, Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips wreaked havoc on the Indian batting lineup, claiming six wickets between them. Santner’s persistent and accurate bowling proved too much for the Indian batsmen, while Phillips’ variations kept them guessing.
India’s struggles began early on, with Shubman Gill falling to Santner in the 11th over. Virat Kohli’s dismissal for 1, bowled by a full toss, further dented India’s hopes. Phillips then dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, both caught behind, to leave India reeling at 57 for 4.
The pressure continued to mount as Sarfaraz Khan and Ravichandran Ashwin also fell cheaply. With the pitch offering little respite, India’s batsmen found it increasingly difficult to score runs.
Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are now tasked with the unenviable task of rescuing India from a precarious position. However, with New Zealand’s bowlers in such impressive form, the hosts face an uphill battle to avoid a series defeat.
