New Zealand has made history by securing their first-ever Test series victory in India. After seven decades of waiting, the Black Caps have finally triumphed in emphatic fashion, dominating the hosts for the second consecutive week.
India’s 12-year-long unbeaten series record at home has been shattered. The World Test Championship final spot is now in jeopardy, and the team faces a mountain of questions before heading to Mumbai for the Diwali Test.
New Zealand’s dominance began in the first Test in Bengaluru, where they won after 36 years. In the second Test in Pune, the Kiwis thrashed India by 113 runs, completing a comprehensive victory.
This is the first Test series loss for India at home in 12 years. The team has won 18 consecutive Test series, a remarkable streak that has now come to an end.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, New Zealand posted a competitive 259, thanks to half-centuries from Devon Conway (76) and Rachin Ravindra (65).
India’s response was feeble, as they were dismissed for a paltry 156. Mitchell Santner proved to be the nemesis for the Indian batsmen, claiming seven wickets in the first innings.
New Zealand’s captain, Tom Latham, led from the front in the second innings, scoring a brilliant 86 to take the team’s lead past 300. Tom Blundell remained unbeaten on 30, ensuring a commanding position for the Kiwis.
Washington Sundar, who replaced Kuldeep Yadav in the second Test, bowled superbly and took his career-best 7 for 59. Ravichandran Ashwin also contributed with three wickets.
In the first Test at Bengaluru, Indian batsmen succumbed to New Zealand’s pace bowling, posting their lowest total at home of 46. In the second Test, they fell prey to the guile of Mitchell Santner (7 for 53), who dismissed them for 156, giving New Zealand a crucial 103-run lead.
In the second innings, New Zealand’s Tom Latham played some brilliant shots to score 86. Tom Blundell (41) and Glenn Phillips (48 not out) contributed to give a massive lead of 358 for India. Chasing a target of 359, India were on the backfoot with the dismissal of their captain Rohit Sharma for just 8. But Yashasvi Jaiswal (77) and Shubman Gill (23) played positive cricket to lift Indian hopes. However, the quick dismissal of Jaiswal and Gill opened the gates for New Zealand bowlers, particularly Mitchell Santner.
Mitchell Santner played a crucial role in New Zealand’s second Test win. Santner took 13 wickets in this match and scored crucial runs in the first innings.
