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The subcontinent proved to be a haven for off-spinners on Day 1 of the ongoing Test matches in India and Pakistan, as these bowlers wreaked havoc, claiming a total of 17 wickets across both matches. India, playing against New Zealand in the second Test at Pune, Maharashtra, saw their spin duo of Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin dominate the Kiwi batting lineup. Sundar, making a triumphant return to the Test squad after a hiatus, delivered a mesmerizing performance, ending with career-best figures of 7/59. His ability to exploit the turning conditions kept the New Zealand batters guessing and ultimately contributed to their dismissal for 259 runs.
Ashwin, ever the reliable partner, provided solid support with 3/64. Sundar's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he became the first bowler to claim a five-wicket haul in the Maharashtra Cricket Stadium in Pune. Simultaneously, in the series-deciding third Test between Pakistan and England at Rawalpindi, Pakistan's off-spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali unleashed their own brand of mayhem on the English batting order. Sajid, who had not been part of the Test team until after Pakistan's crushing loss in the first Test, demonstrated his worth with a commanding 6/128.
This performance played a crucial role in bundling out England for a relatively modest 267 runs. The inclusion of both Sajid and Noman, along with the exclusion of big names like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah, proved to be a masterstroke by the Pakistan selectors. This bold decision aimed to bolster their spin attack, and the results were evident as the duo combined to take all 20 English wickets in the previous Test match. Pakistan will be hoping that this dynamic spin duo can continue their impressive form and help them secure a victory in the series decider.
Source: From Pune To Rawalpindi, Offspinners Unleash Mayhem With 17 Wickets on Day 1