Mumbai, Nov 2 (IANS) – In a dynamic morning session at the Wankhede Stadium, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant's swift half-centuries brought India to 195/5 at lunch on Day 2 of the third and final Test, trailing New Zealand’s 235 by just 40 runs.
Pant’s explosive knock of 60 off 59 balls set an aggressive tone, lofting boundaries and clearing the ropes, quickly marking the fastest half-century by an Indian against New Zealand in Test history. His departure to Ish Sodhi, following a DRS review, broke a critical fifth-wicket stand of 96 with Gill. Meanwhile, Gill, who survived a dropped catch, played with restraint to reach an unbeaten 70, staying steady alongside Ravindra Jadeja (10 not out).
New Zealand’s missed fielding opportunities and inconsistent bowling allowed India to cut into the deficit, providing them an edge as they attempt to avoid a series whitewash.