[Watch] Shubman Gill misses out on his ton as Ajaz Patel gets his fourth wicket on Day 2 of IND vs NZ 2024 3rd Test
New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel claimed his fourth wicket as Shubman Gill narrowly missed out on a well-deserved hundred on Day 2 of the third Test against India in Mumbai. The 25-year-old had to walk back 10 runs short of the three-figure mark, triggering silence amongst the crowd.
The dismissal occurred in the 54th over of the innings after lunch as Ajaz sent down a flighted delivery on off as the right-hander propped forward to defend. However, the ball turned and merely took the edge as Daryl Mitchell took an excellent low catch by diving at first slip.
Take a look here:
Ajaz, who has struggled in the series, had additional responsibility in this Test, given Mitchell Santner has been ruled out. The 36-year-old dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Mohammed Siraj on Day 1, followed by Sarfaraz Khan before Gill on Day 2.
Shubman Gill top scores as Team India take a narrow lead against New Zealand
Meanwhile, the Punjab-born cricketer with his 90 runs emerged as the top scorer for the home side as they eked out a narrow 28-run lead after some lower-order exploits from Washington Sundar (38*). The partnership of 96 between him and Rishabh Pant (60) was critical in India overhauling the Black Caps' total of 235.
Day 1 of the final Test in Mumbai saw New Zealand fold for 235 after Will Young (71) and Daryl Mitchell (82) scored critical half-centuries. India looked to be heading to the close of play with only one wicket down but lost three wickets for six runs, including Virat Kohli to a chaotic run-out.
The Kiwis already hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series, winning comprehensively in Bengaluru and Pune. It is also their maiden series victory on Indian soil and they became the first team to beat India in their backyard in a Test series since England did it in 2012.