WATCH: Akash Deep’s inswinger shatters Tom Latham’s stumps, pacer gives aggressive send-off in Mumbai

New Zealand skipper Tom Latham was removed in the opening over of the third innings by pacer Akash Deep. Umpire Michael Gough declared Latham leg before wicket after Akash’s inswinging delivery had struck him on the pads just before the dismissal. Since the ball had struck his bat first, Latham was able to contest the ruling and live.

But Akash Deep shattered the stumps on the very next delivery after breaking through the opener’s resistance.

Latham failed to get a bat on the ball, which sneaked back late from outside off and wedged itself between the pad and the bat, crushing the wood. After being dismissed, Akash was overjoyed and pumped his fist in front of the batter to celebrate.

𝐀𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐚𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐢 𝐤𝐚𝐚𝐦 𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐮 𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐲𝐞 😉#INDvNZ #IDFCFirstBankTestTrophy #JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/13MNtSwl5t

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) November 2, 2024

India leads the first innings by 28 runs.

Shubman Gill was India’s standout batsman in the first innings, scoring a vital 90 runs to help the team reach 263 runs against New Zealand’s 235. After losing three key wickets in quick succession—Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli—Day 1 ended badly for the hosts. Given the various issues facing India, Mohammed Siraj, who was elevated to the position of night watchman, also registered a golden duck.

Nevertheless, Gill assumed command on Day 2 and, along with Rishabh Pant, who scored 60 off 59, played a crucial knock to save the team. To put pressure on the Kiwis, the keeper-batter chose to play an aggressive style of cricket despite India’s difficult situation.

Also Read: Twitter reaction: Ajaz Patel continues his Wankhede love affair with fifer vs India

Gill received little help from the opposition after being fired, but Ajaz Patel eventually defeated him. In the closing moments, Washington Sundar made several outstanding shots to stay undefeated with 38 off 36.