NEW DELHI: Pakistan cricketer Ahmad Shahzad on Saturday took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to praise Indian batsman Shubman Gill, acknowledging the young player’s “crucial” contribution during India’s first innings in the third Test against New Zealand.
“India is breathing again because of this crucial knock from Gill 90 (146). A century heartbreak for him, well done nevertheless!” Shahzad wrote on X.
On the second day of the third Test at the Wankhede Stadium, it was Gill’s 90-run knock that helped India stay in contention on a challenging pitch.
Gill’s innings came under tough conditions as New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel spearheaded a relentless bowling attack, claiming five wickets and limiting India to 263.
Despite the pressure, Gill showed remarkable solidity, almost reaching a century before falling short by ten runs.
His partnership with Rishabh Pant, who scored an aggressive 60, was instrumental in countering the New Zealand spinners and keeping India’s lead alive.
Gill’s balanced approach, alternating between controlled shots and boundary-scoring, allowed India to make progress and minimized the risk of an early collapse.
After India’s innings, spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin led a strong fightback, reducing New Zealand to 171-9 by the end of day two.
Jadeja’s four-wicket haul, including the critical wicket of Matt Henry just before stumps, translated into India’s determination to prevent a New Zealand clean sweep in the series.
Meanwhile, Ashwin and Washington Sundar’s contributions in removing key batsmen further underlined India’s resilience.
While New Zealand had already won the first two Tests to secure a historic series win in India, Gill’s innings has offered hope to the Indian side in this third and final Test.