Historic Triumph for New Zealand as They Clinch Test Series in India After 12-Year Drought
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| Historic Series win for New Zealand by 2-0 with one match is still left / Getty |
New Zealand has achieved what no other team has managed in over a decade – defeating India in a Test series on their own turf. In a commanding display, the visitors triumphed over the hosts by a staggering 113 runs in the second Test at Pune, clinching the series 2-0. This remarkable achievement highlights New Zealand's adaptability across diverse conditions, with their first victory on a seaming pitch in Bengaluru, followed by this triumph on a spinning track in Pune.
The outcome shakes up the World Test Championship standings, with India's once-strong chances of reaching the WTC final now jeopardized. To keep their hopes alive, India must win their upcoming series against Australia.
New Zealand’s Gritty First Innings
Opting to bat first, New Zealand compiled 259 runs in the first innings. Devon Conway anchored the innings with a resilient 76, while Rachin Ravindra chipped in with a well-constructed 65. Lower-order contributions from Mitchell Santner (33) pushed New Zealand closer to the 260-mark. Washington Sundar, returning to the Test arena after nearly three years, was India's standout bowler, claiming an impressive 7 wickets, while Ravichandran Ashwin bagged the remaining three.
Santner Spins Through India’s Lineup
India’s response was stifled by Mitchell Santner’s stellar left-arm spin, which proved to be too much for the hosts’ batting lineup. India collapsed to a meager total, with only Ravindra Jadeja (38) showing some resistance. Santner’s spell was nothing short of masterful, as he secured seven wickets, completely nullifying India’s batting effort.
Latham Leads New Zealand’s Commanding Second Innings
New Zealand, holding a slight advantage, strengthened their grip with a solid second innings. Skipper Tom Latham led the charge with a gritty 86, supported by Tom Blundell (41) and Glenn Phillips, who remained unbeaten on 48. With a lead of 358, New Zealand set India a formidable target of 359 to stay in the series.
India’s Fight and Final Collapse
India’s chase began with fireworks, as Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed the second delivery for a six. Rohit Sharma was the first to fall, but Shubman Gill and Jaiswal took India to lunch at a promising 81/1. However, Gill’s dismissal immediately after the break opened the floodgates, and despite a brief stand between Jaiswal and Virat Kohli, New Zealand’s bowlers kept chipping away.
Rishabh Pant’s unfortunate run-out further derailed the innings, and Kohli was later trapped by Santner, who wrapped up the game with remarkable match figures of 157/13. Ajaz Patel, who had gone wicketless in the game, picked up India’s last two wickets, sealing New Zealand’s historic series win.
A Win for the Ages
New Zealand’s emphatic victory marks the first time since 2012 that India has lost a Test series on home soil. Santner’s heroic 13-wicket haul and Tom Latham’s leadership were instrumental in securing this monumental win, and it is a series that will be celebrated in New Zealand's cricketing history for years to come.