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Washington Sundar’s 7-wicket haul skittles out New Zealand for 259 in first innings of Pune Test

Indian cricket star Washington Sundar picks 7/59 to bowl out New Zealand for 259 on the opening day of the second Test match in Pune on Thursday.

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Washington Sundar (Source-BCCI)

The 25-year-old Washington Sundar was the toast of India with his brilliant return to Test cricket. The youngster from Tamil Nadu bowled 23.1 overs and picked 7/59 with four maiden overs. This effort was instrumental in New Zealand being bowled out for 259 in the first innings of the second Test match in Pune. 

At one stage the visitors were placed at 197/3 just before the Washington Sundar struck twice before Tea. The 25-year-old castled Rachin Ravindra for 65 and followed it up with the wicket of Tom Blundell for three. 

Rohit Sharma’s decision to play Sundar ahead of Kuldeep Yadav has paid rich dividends. Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar lauded the move on social media and wrote, “Common sense selection. In-form seamer in. When the pitch is offering a lot, you don’t need an artiste like Kuldeep, a tall, quick, finger spinner will do."

India’s assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate ahead of the game had said, “It's certainly not a desperate measure. We've got a lot of faith in the spinners we have. We just want to make sure we're absolutely prepared for the conditions. And if that does mean taking the ball away from the left-hander, we want that option.”

New Zealand succumbs to Chennai Spin Twins in Pune

Rohit Sharma lost the toss and saw Kiwi skipper Tom Latham opted to bat first. The move seemed to be a great one considering the top order put the pressure on Indian bowlers. Ashwin got India their first three wickets which included Tom Latham for 15 and Will Young for 18. 

Devon Conway struck yet another fifty before he was out for 76 caught by Pant off Ashwin. At the tea interval, the visiting side were 201/5 and once play resumed it was Sundar who ran the show with the ball in hand. 

Daryl Mitchel was back in the hut for 18 after DRS helped India get the veteran Kiwi all-rounder. Glenn Philips mistimed a shot and saw Ashwin settle under the ball and take an easy catch as Phillips was out for 9. Mitchell Santner swung his bat around to score 33 off 51 balls but he was the last man out bowled by Sundar. 

Tim Southee and Ajaz Patel were both snared by the 25-year-old to claim his maiden fifer. Once the innings was over the youngster was given a warm ovation by the fans as he led the team off the park with the match ball in his hands.

Ravichandran Ashwin Rohit Sharma Washington Sundar kuldeep yadav India vs New Zealand
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