The second Test played at Pune was the cornerstone for New Zealand in clinching its first-ever series victory in India by a comfortable 113-run margin.
India was crushed by 113 runs in the second Test against New Zealand in Pune on Saturday, as a crushing defeat saw the Black Caps make history as the first visiting side in 13 years to take a series win at home. It was also the Kiwis’ maiden series victory in India. It came after their record-breaking win in the opening Test that ended a 38-year wait for a victory over the Indians in a Test on their soil.
New Zealand’s
India’s second-innings score of 255, chasing a target of 359, was furthered by a gritty 42 from Ravindra Jadeja at number nine, as the team rallied from 167-7. However, New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner stole the limelight, taking six wickets in the innings and his match total to an impressive 13.
Jadeja fought till the end, but he was the last wicket to fall, getting caught while trying to keep the chase going against a dominant New Zealand bowling attack.
India captain Rohit Sharma termed the loss a “collective failure” after the match, saying, “We didn’t adapt to the challenges, and this is the result. To win Tests, you need both wickets and runs, and we fell short with the bat.”
Mitchell Santner
We have to win the next Test without thinking too far ahead. The defeat is an obvious collective failing because we did not rise to meet the challenge that was offered to us. We approach the last Test at Wankhede with intent, fresh ideas, and better strategy.
Yashasvi Jaiswal started the Indian innings aggressively and strongly, which made the game a happening one till he was dismissed for 77 by Mitchell Santner. Then came Rishabh Pant who got run out for nothing just after lunch, making things tough for India at 127-4.
Santner, having scalped the wickets of Rohit Sharma for 8 and Shubman Gill for 23, trapped Virat Kohli LBW for 17 to further mount the pressure on India. Sarfaraz Khan, who could not capitalize on a good show in the first Test, walked out to a low full-toss from Santner for nine, giving the second spinner his fifth wicket.
The morale dipped further as the dismissal of Washington Sundar by Glenn Phillips for 21 later in the day caused a setback.
New Zealand accomplished something no visiting team since England managed to do: they won a series in India. “It’s a really special feeling to be in this position. Competing here is tough, but we performed exceptionally well last week and focused on staying grounded and consistent for this game,” said captain Tom Latham.
Santner was brilliant. He bowled well, and after being with the team for so long, it’s wonderful to see him finally enjoy the fruits of his labor.
New Zealand Scored
New Zealand scored 255 in their second innings, with captain Tom Latham scoring a solid 86 and the lower order chipping in, setting them up for a first-ever series win in India.
India’s highest successful chase ever on home soil remains 387-4 against England in Chennai in 2008, on a very different wicket than Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, at which spinners are playing most of the innings
Hosts will be prevented from losing their first-ever series on home soil with this loss as well – having won 18 successive tests series at home since going down to England in 2012.
Readmore Cristiano Ronaldo:International footbal not ready to retire 2024
With the New Zealanders starting off at 198-5, ahead by more than 300 on a poor pitch, they continued calmly into the morning until Jadeja sent Tom Blundell packing for 41, which was his first of the game.
Santner had dominated with figures of 7-53 on Friday and was looking to continue to do so today when he tried to attack Jadeja but misread a flying delivery, finding it over deep midwicket, and he walked off without scoring anything from just two balls.
Soon after, ex-captain Tim Southee was also dismissed, playing a thin edge off the delivery to Ashwin by Rohit Sharma at slip, who reacted sharply for a breathtaking catch, while the crowd cheered.
Meanwhile, Washington Sundar also made a very good catch in the deep, eliminating Ajaz Patel for just one run off Jadeja’s bowling. William O’Rourke got run out for a duck, making Glenn Phillips stay unbeaten with a hard-fought 48.
Santner’s 13-157 was his best in a Test innings, bettering the 6-93 against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi four years ago. He won the Player of the Match award for his performance.
“It is an incredible feeling,” said the 32-year-old. “Winning a series here is an enormous feat, given India’s reputation at home, so to do it feels really fulfilling.”.
India still at the helm of affairs, though Australia is really close while both teams are set to clash in a possible final at Lord’s next June. The final Test of New Zealand’s tour commences on November 1 on Friday. The Kiwis are currently fourth in the WTC table.
