In a display of sheer dominance, Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar etched his name into the history books with a maiden five-wicket haul in the second Test match against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Sundar’s exceptional bowling performance, culminating in impressive figures of 7/59, played a pivotal role in dismantling the Kiwi batting lineup and putting India in a commanding position.
The off-break specialist’s journey to his maiden five-for was marked by crucial wickets that rattled the New Zealand batting order. He began his onslaught by dismissing the dangerous Glenn Philips, followed by the wickets of Tom Blundell, Daryl Mitchell, and Ajaz Patel. Sundar continued to weave his magic, claiming the scalps of Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra, before wrapping up the New Zealand first innings with a well-disguised delivery that clipped Santner’s off stump.
The Tamil Nadu cricketer’s performance wasn’t just about the wickets but also about the impact he had on the game. His ability to spin the ball with precision and extract bounce from the pitch proved too much for the New Zealand batsmen to handle. He kept them guessing with his variations, consistently challenging their technique and forcing them into making mistakes.
Sundar’s seven-wicket haul was not only a testament to his skill and talent but also a reward for his hard work and dedication. He was called up to the Indian squad after a stellar performance with both bat and ball for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy, where he scored a magnificent 152 runs and claimed six wickets in a match. His inclusion in the Indian Test team was a well-deserved recognition of his ability and potential.
This performance by Sundar is a significant boost for the Indian team, who are looking to strengthen their bowling attack. His ability to contribute both with the bat and the ball makes him a valuable asset, especially in the longer format of the game. With his maiden five-wicket haul under his belt, Sundar has undoubtedly announced his arrival on the international stage and will be looking to make his mark in the coming matches.