Saba Karim Praises Washington Sundar’s Impact Against New Zealand

October 26, 2024 0 364

Former cricketer Saba Karim noted that Washington Sundar, returning to five-day cricket after three years, has been the toughest challenge for New Zealand batters.

In the second Test between India and New Zealand, the hosts have struggled for control. So far, Washington Sundar has been India’s only standout performer, similar to Sarfaraz Khan’s efforts in the opening loss in Bengaluru.

Returning to red-ball cricket after more than three years, Sundar has been India’s major threat with the ball, proving difficult for the New Zealand batters to handle. In the Kiwis’ first innings, Sundar claimed the final seven wickets. He continued this form in their second innings, dismissing four of the first five batters before Stumps on Day 2.

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim praised Sundar’s control and deceptive trajectory, making him a tough challenge for New Zealand.

“It seems only Washington Sundar was the only bowler who the New Zealand batters have been dreading, because the height plays a big factor and maybe that’s the reason why he has been drafted in the side. The pace he generates and the bounce he is able to extract is really good. I think he has been increasingly deceptive in his trajectory to beat the batters,” stated Karim while speaking on JioCinema.

“He has taken a long time to get back into this Test side, but I think this Test match performance should really embolden Washington Sundar’s career from here on,” he added.

READ ALSO | Washington Sundar Credits Coach and Captain for Test Recall After Dominant Day 1 Performance

Jaiswal and Gill Start Strong for India

Ravichandran Ashwin was the only other bowler to make an impact for India, taking 3 for 64 in New Zealand’s first innings and another wicket in their second. After New Zealand posted a first-innings total of 259, India managed only 156 in response.

In New Zealand’s second innings, Sundar took four wickets, a run-out, and a superb catch. The Kiwis were bowled out for 255. At the time of writing, India has reaching 92/1, with Jaiswal and Shubman Gill at the crease.