Shubman Gill narrowly missed out on a century, while Rishabh Pant scored a brisk 60, as India posted 263 in reply to New Zealand's 235 on the second day of the third Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The Indian spinners then reduced the tourists to 171-9 by the end of the day.

Ajaz Patel remained unbeaten on seven, following Will Young's resilient 51 in challenging conditions. New Zealand managed to erase a 28-run deficit and established a significant lead of 143 by the close of another scorching day at the Wankhede Stadium. Ravichandran Ashwin, who took 3-63 and shared seven wickets with Ravindra Jadeja, expressed hope that the hosts would not face a daunting target when they return to bat on Sunday.

"We should wrap it up with one or two runs here and there. Every run saved in this innings is crucial for us when we chase it down," Ashwin said. "It's not going to be easy, and we need to bat exceptionally well." He also noted his surprise at the slow nature of the Mumbai pitch, which he found uncharacteristic.

Akash Deep put New Zealand under early pressure in their second innings by dismissing skipper Tom Latham for one, while Washington Sundar snared opener Devon Conway for 22. Ashwin had Rachin Ravindra stumped for four, leaving New Zealand at 44-3. He then took a fine catch to dismiss Daryl Mitchell for 21 after a 50-run partnership with Young. Jadeja, who finished with 4-52, dismissed Tom Blundell for four, while Ashwin removed Glenn Phillips for 26.

Young attempted to steer the game away from India with a patient innings but was caught off Ashwin's bowling. Matt Henry was dismissed by Jadeja for 10 on the final ball of the day. Gill, who had been poised for a century, was caught behind off Ajaz Patel for a fluent 90. Patel finished with impressive figures of 5-103, while Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on 38.

India resumed on 86-4 after a late collapse on Friday. Pant eased early nerves by hitting Patel for three boundaries in the opening over. Gill was given a reprieve on 45 when substitute Mark Chapman dropped a catch. He later reached his seventh Test half-century. Pant reached his fifty in just 36 balls, the fastest by an Indian against New Zealand. Phillips missed another chance when Henry dropped Pant on 53, but Sodhi trapped the batsman lbw to end the 96-run partnership.

Jadeja was dismissed early in the second session for 14, while Sarfaraz Khan was caught behind off Patel for a four-ball duck. New Zealand won the opening match in Bengaluru by eight wickets and secured the series in Pune with a 113-run win. The last time India were swept at home was in 2000, when they lost 2-0 to South Africa.

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