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After a lengthy gap of 45 months from Test cricket, Washington Sundar made a sensational comeback on Day 1 of the second Test between India and New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. His inclusion raised eyebrows earlier, with fans and analysts questioning the decision to drop Kuldeep Yadav. However, Washington silenced the critics with a masterclass in spin bowling, finishing with his career-best figures in the longest format.
Game-changing spell before tea
New Zealand appeared to be in control with half-centuries from Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, steadying the innings at 200/3. But Washington’s spell just before the tea break flipped the match in India’s favor. His breakthrough came when he bowled an absolute beauty to dismiss Ravindra, initiating a collapse that sent shockwaves through the Black Caps’ batting lineup.
Washington Sundar’s 7-wicket masterclass packs New Zealand
Following Ravindra’s dismissal, Washington continued to dismantle New Zealand’s batting order. He picked up the crucial wickets of Tom Blundell, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, and Mitchell Santner. Bowling with remarkable control and skill, Washington finished with exceptional figures of 7 wickets for 59 runs in 23.1 overs, leading to New Zealand being bowled out for 259.
Also WATCH: IND vs NZ – Washington Sundar bowls an absolute ripper to dismiss Rachin Ravindra on Day 1 of the second Test
Best bowling figures by an Indian against New Zealand in Tests
Washington’s performance earned him a place among the best bowling displays by an Indian against New Zealand:
- 8/72 – Srinivasaraghavan Venkatraghavan, Delhi 1965
- 8/76 – Erapalli Prasanna, Auckland 1975
- 7/59 – Ravichandran Ashwin, Indore 2017
- 7/59 – Washington Sundar, Pune 2024
With his stellar bowling effort, Washington has not only given India a crucial upper hand in the Test but has also marked his return to the red-ball format in style.
