Jasprit Bumrah Takes Seven Wickets as India Bowls Out New Zealand for 96 in Wellington

Jasprit Bumrah produced one of the finest bowling performances in recent Test cricket history on Monday, taking career-best figures of 7-34 to bowl New Zealand out for just 96 runs on the opening day of the second Test at Wellington's Basin Reserve, putting India in a commanding position in the crucial series decider.

The 30-year-old pace spearhead was virtually unplayable in testing conditions, using the green pitch and overcast skies to devastating effect with his unique action and late movement. Bumrah's seven-wicket haul was the best by an Indian bowler in New Zealand since Kapil Dev's 9-83 in 1976, and his figures of 7-34 represented the fourth-best bowling analysis by an Indian in all Test cricket.

"I've been working really hard on my accuracy and consistency," Bumrah said after stumps. "The conditions were perfect for fast bowling today, and I was able to hit the right areas consistently. When you get wickets early, it gives you confidence, and I just tried to keep bowling in the right channels. This is definitely one of my best days with the ball."

New Zealand's batting lineup was simply unable to cope with Bumrah's relentless accuracy and subtle variations in pace and line. Captain Tim Southee top-scored with 18 in a display that highlighted the visitors' dominance with the ball. Only three batsmen reached double figures as India's pace attack, led by Bumrah's brilliance, exploited the seam-friendly conditions perfectly.

Mohammed Siraj provided excellent support at the other end, taking 2-31 to help wrap up New Zealand's innings in just 30.4 overs. The visitors' disciplined bowling and sharp fielding never allowed the home team's batsmen to settle, with regular wickets preventing any meaningful partnerships from developing throughout the day.

India finished the day at 85-2 in their first innings, still trailing by 11 runs but in a strong position given their bowling dominance. Bumrah's exceptional performance has put the tourists on course for a potential series victory that would represent one of their greatest overseas achievements. With two days remaining and favorable bowling conditions expected to continue, India appears well-placed to secure a historic Test series win in New Zealand, with Bumrah's magical spell likely to be remembered as the defining moment of the tour.