On the opening day of the third Test at the Wankhede Stadium, New Zealand’s Will Young fought back valiantly after an early setback against India’s disciplined spin attack. Opting to bat, New Zealand faced some early struggles as Washington Sundar’s incisive spell claimed two quick wickets. However, Young’s gritty innings kept the visitors in the contest as he notched up a well-deserved fifty, taking New Zealand to 130/3 by the second session.

Sundar’s spell brings India back into the game

After New Zealand lost Devon Conway early to Akash Deep, the visitors found a brief reprieve with a 44-run stand between Tom Latham and Will Young. But Washington Sundar’s entrance turned the tables for India. With his flight and drift troubling the New Zealand batters, Sundar struck a decisive blow by dismissing Latham, who misjudged the line and had his stumps rattled. The off-spinner continued his spell of dominance, delivering another similar beauty to bowl Rachin Ravindra, who was left shaking his head as he walked off. Sundar’s 2-26 provided India with critical breakthroughs, keeping the game evenly poised.

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Will Young’s gritty fifty rescues New Zealand

Despite the setbacks, Young displayed resilience and continued to score freely when opportunities arose. As the Indian spinners began to find more grip off the pitch, Young reached his fifty with a commanding six straight down the ground, showcasing his confidence and determination. Alongside Daryl Mitchell, he ensured New Zealand avoided further damage, with the pair steadying the innings through the growing turn and bounce on offer. At 60 off 115 deliveries, Young’s innings was a testament to his focus and skill, as he faced down India’s spinners and kept New Zealand in the fight.

As the second session progresses, the Wankhede surface is starting to offer more assistance to the spinners, which could make batting even more challenging for New Zealand. Ravindra Jadeja has already shown signs of turn, and the Indian bowlers will look to capitalize on the conditions to keep the pressure on the visiting side.

In a gripping Super Smash 2023-24 encounter between Wellington and Central Districts, fielder Troy Johnson left fans in awe with a stunning tag catch, removing Districts opener Will Young. Positioned at mid-on, Johnson displayed exceptional athleticism during the sixth over of the second innings, chasing down Young’s lofted drive at the boundary. Despite being close to the line, he skillfully ran backward and completed a remarkable catch.

Although initially comforting himself, Troy Johnson managed to throw the ball to teammate Nick Kelly, who ultimately secured the catch. While both fielders were confident, the decision went to the umpires for review. Replays confirmed Johnson’s feet were inside the boundary when he held the ball, leading to Young being given out.

Turning to the match, Wellington set a target of 147/8 in 20 overs. Logan van Beek shone with an unbeaten 41 runs off 24 balls, rescuing Wellington in the slog overs. Openers Nathan Smith and Nick Greenwood faltered, and skipper Nick Kelly departed early, but Muhammad Abbas steadied the innings with partnerships of 27 and 24 runs for the fourth and fifth wickets, respectively. Abbas contributed 35 runs with 1 four and 2 sixes.

In pursuit of the target, Central Districts made a decent start, adding 36 runs with openers Will Young and Jack Boyle. Young fell for 7 runs due to Johnson’s brilliance, but Boyle went on to score a half-century, posting 57 runs off 43 balls with 10 fours. Tom Bruce and Doug Bracewell sealed the chase, remaining unbeaten on 26 and 30 runs, respectively. Central Districts secured a six-wicket victory, reaching the target in under 17 overs.

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Despite the defeat, Wellington retains the top spot in the Super Smash 2023-24 points table, winning five out of eight matches. Central Districts holds the third position, staying competitive in the tournament.