IND vs NZ [WATCH]: Tim Southee dismisses Rohit Sharma for a 9-ball duck with a near-perfect delivery on Day 1 of the 2nd Test

New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee had a negative impact on the Indian top order Day 1 of the second test in Pune by removing the captain Rohit Sharma with a duck on Thursday (October 24). The Indian skipper, who showed promise earlier in the series, failed to perform well, leaving the hosts in a state of worry. However, the group settled down as the day went on, ending on a very positive note. With New Zealand already leading 1-0 in the three-match series, India will need to perform well in this Test to stay alive in the tournament.

Rohit Sharma is dismissed for a duck by Tim Southee

Southee’s skilful bowling proved too much for Rohit, who was dismissed for a duck after facing nine balls. In the third over of India’s first innings, Southee delivered a length ball that was well-aimed, hung around mid-on and outside the off-stump. Rohit, caught on the back foot without significant foot movement, tried to defend himself but was hit by a sharp inside movement. The ball deflected slightly off his back pad and clipped the top of the stumps, sending the Indian skipper back into the yard without scoring. This early success left India reeling at 1/1, and also highlighted Rohit’s ongoing struggle for consistency, following his poor scoring performance in the recent series against them. Bangladesh and the first Test against New Zealand.

Here is the video:

Rohit sharma out pic.twitter.com/7oMHwnNdtJ

– Virat (@chiku_187) October 24, 2024

READ MORE: Washington Sundar overtakes New Zealand with career-best 7-wicket haul in Pune Test

New Zealand’s first innings: Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra lead the way

New Zealand’s first innings saw a strong blow from Devon Conway again Rachin Ravindrawho combined their team in 259. Conway was the standout player, making a brilliant 76 off 141 balls, including 11 boundaries. His innings was marked by patience and technical precision, especially against a powerful Indian attack. Ravindra filled Conway with a powerful 65 off 105 balls, which included six boundaries and five boundaries, giving a boost to the middle order.

However, in India Washington Sundar changed things dramatically with the bowling, taking a five-wicket haul in Test cricket, with figures of 7/59. His relentless accuracy and ability to extract curve on the Pune pitch proved too much for New Zealand’s lower order. Ravichandran Ashwin again played a key role, picking up three crucial wickets, including top-class batsmen, to halt New Zealand’s progress and put them below 300.

India’s response and context of the series

Despite the initial blow of losing Rohit, India managed to regroup by the end of the day. New openers Yashasvi Jaiswal again Shubman Gill proved solid, taking India to 16/1 at stumps. Their stability in the remaining overs of the day was crucial to avoid further damage from the New Zealand seamers. This Test is important for India, as New Zealand lead 1-0 in the series after their eight-wicket victory in Bengaluru. With the pressure mounting, the second Test gives India a chance to fight back and level the series. A lot will depend on how well Jaiswal, Gill, and the rest of India’s batsmen respond on Day 2 against New Zealand’s aggressive bowling.

ALSO WATCH: Washington Sundar bowls Tim Southee with peach of a delivery on Day 1 of Pune Test