India’s pursuit of a record-breaking 359 against New Zealand in the second Test at Pune hit a major roadblock on Saturday, despite a promising start. After losing captain Rohit Sharma early, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal kept India in the game with a blistering half-century.
Jaiswal’s 62-run partnership with Shubman Gill provided India with the momentum they needed. The 22-year-old was in scintillating form, scoring a rapid 77 off just 65 balls, including three sixes and nine fours. However, his dismissal by Mitchell Santner in the 22nd over proved to be a turning point.
Disaster struck in the very next over when Rishabh Pant was run out for a duck, leaving India reeling at 127/4. The run-out, described as “avoidable,” shifted the momentum in New Zealand’s favor. Pant’s dismissal also saw him join an unwanted list, becoming only the third Indian batter to be dismissed for a duck via run-out while batting in the top seven positions since 1990.
With India losing momentum, the task of chasing down the daunting target became even more challenging. Virat Kohli, who was involved in the mix-up that led to Pant’s run-out, will need to play a crucial role if India is to have any chance of victory.
The match is evenly poised heading into the final day, with India needing to bat with patience and determination to reach their target. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on their advantage and secure a series-leveling victory.
