Washington Sundar Spins India into Commanding Position Against New Zealand

India's Washington Sundar claimed a career-best seven-wicket haul, supported by Ravichandran Ashwin's three wickets, to dismiss New Zealand for 259 on the opening day of the second Test in Pune. The hosts reached 16-1 at stumps, with Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal keeping India's innings steady.

India's cricketing prowess was on full display as off-spinner Washington Sundar delivered a career-best performance, bagging seven wickets for 59 runs, supported by Ravichandran Ashwin's three-wicket haul. This formidable duo dismissed New Zealand for 259 on the first day of the second Test in Pune.

The hosts faced a setback early on when skipper Rohit Sharma was bowled out by Tim Southee for a duck. However, Shubman Gill, unbeaten on 10, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, not out on six, steadied the inning, closing the day at 16-1 after a challenging opener.

New Zealand started strong with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra hitting fifties, but their momentum was halted by India's spin attack. Washington's exceptional spell turned the tide, putting India in a commanding position as the series moves forward.

(With inputs from agencies.)