[Watch] Tom Blundell drops a sitter to hand Rishabh Pant a reprieve on 7 on Day 2 of IND vs NZ 1st Test 2024

New Zealand wicketkeeper Tom Blundell dropped a straightforward catch of Indian batter Rishabh Pant on Day 2 of the ongoing first Test on Thursday, October 17. The first Test of the three-match series is being played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The key moment occurred on the third ball of the 15th over when William O’Rourke bowled a full delivery wide of off-stump. The left-handed batter attempted a drive but could only manage to edge the ball. However, Blundell fumbled the straightforward catch, dropping it, and then misjudged the rebound as well.

Here’s a video of the dropped catch:

At that moment, Rishabh Pant was on 7 off 16 balls, and he has since added 8 more runs to his tally by lunch on Day 2.

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India lose six wickets in the first session of Day 2 against New Zealand

India won the toss and opted to bat first in overcast conditions on Day 2 after Day 1 was washed out due to rain. Openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal safely navigated the first five overs.

Former New Zealand captain Tim Southee provided the visitors with the first breakthrough, cleaning up Indian skipper Rohit in the seventh over. The 37-year-old managed only 2 off 16 balls. With Shubman Gill absent, Virat Kohli was promoted to number three but was dismissed for a nine-ball duck.

In the next over, the hosts lost Sarfaraz Khan for a three-ball duck. Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal attempted to stabilize the innings, forming a partnership of 21 runs off 68 balls before the latter was dismissed for 13 off 63 balls.

Local boy KL Rahul fell victim to a catch down the leg side for a six-ball duck. Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also failed to contribute, getting out without scoring.

At lunch on Day 2, India were in dire straits at 34-6, with Pant on 15 runs at the crease. William O’Rourke has been the standout bowler for the visitors, taking three wickets.

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