IND vs NZ: 'Wickets Galore' At Wankhede, Indians On Top On Day 2 Despite Ajaz's 10-fer

Cricket Image for IND vs NZ: Wicket Galore At Wankhede, Indians On Top On Day 2 Despite Ajaz's 10-fe (Image Source: Google)

Wankhede on 2nd day of the second test match between India & New Zealand was a nightmare for batters as 16 wickets fell throughout the day. Mayank Agarwal scored 150, Ashwin picked up 4 wickets but the highlight was NZ's Ajaz Patel's 10-fer. 

2nd Day's play started with Mayank Agarwal on 120* and India at 221/4. Ajaz Patel continued the slaughter on the Indian team even though Mayank held one end and went on to complete his 150. However, he was dismissed on the next ball as soon as he completed his fifty. Saha continued on his overnight score of 25* but added only 2 more runs to his total before he was brilliantly set up and dismissed by Ajaz.

Axar Patel scored 52 runs off 128 balls and together with Mayank, stitched an important partnership of 67 runs and helped India to a total of 300+. New Zealand riding on Ajaz Patel's 10-fer were able to stop India after lunch at 325/10.

New Zealand's batting display was something they'd like to forget about as soon as possible. They were restricted to a meagre total of 62/10. Siraj started off well picking up the first 3 wickets in the first 6 overs. Ashwin was the highest wicket-taker with his 4 wickets while Axar Patel picked up 2. Jayant Yadav also picked up 1 wicket.

For New Zealand, Kyle Jamieson was the highest scorer with 17 runs, captain Tom Latham scored 10 runs. Apart from these two, none of the Kiwi batters were able to cross the double-digit mark. With this disappointing performance, New Zealand conceded a lead of 263 runs. 

Indian captain Virat Kohli shocked a few fans as he didn't enforce the follow-on and decided that Team India will bat again even after bowling just 29 overs. This is understandable as none of the captains would like their team to bat in the 4th innings on a turning pitch like this. 

Shubman Gill picked up an injury in his right elbow while fielding and didn't come out to open for India as a precautionary measure. Due to this, Cheteshwar Pujara opened the innings and showed a different style of play as he smashed first innings' hero Ajaz Patel, smacking 3 boundaries and 1 six on his bowling. 

Mayank (38*) & Pujara (29*) will come out to bat tomorrow morning to extend India's lead of 332 runs and confirm the win & 12 points in WTC table. 

Brief Scorecard:

India - 325/10
New Zealand - 62/10
India - 69/0
India lead by 332 runs.