New Delhi: After India got a 28-run lead in the first innings of the third Test match against New Zealand, bowler Akash Deep gave the hosts the perfect start with a wicket in the first over of the second innings. Akash dismissed in-form Kiwi skipper Tom Lathan for just 1 with a beautiful delivery, which uprooted the middle stump of the New Zealand player.
Akash started the proceedings for India with the new ball and trapped Latham in front of his stumps on the fourth delivery of the first over. The decision was however overturned by the third umpire as the Kiwi skipper had got an inside edge on his pads. On the next delivery, the pace bowler bowled a stunning in-swinger which came in sharply from around the wicket breaching his defense and dismantling the stumps.
Akash, Team India ecstatic after first dismissal
Akash, along with the team was elated after the dismissal as it came as a big breakthrough denting New Zealand’s proceedings early on in the second innings. With a small lead in their hands, India will have to bowl superbly well to restrict the Kiwis to a lowest possible score so as to chase it with ease.
Watch the delivery
Early strike 🤝 Familiar sight! \|/
Courtesy: Akash Deep 🔥#PlayBold #INDvNZ
pic.twitter.com/doqcFiIuQ3— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) November 2, 2024
Earlier, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant played pivotal knocks of 90 and 60 respectively to help India cross New Zealand’s 235-run score in the first innings and get a tiny lead. Later in the innings, Washington Sundar scored a useful 38 to help in India’s cause. For the Kiwis, spinner Ajaz Patel was the pick of the bowlers with 5 wickets while Matt Henry and Ish Sodhi claimed a wicket apiece.