India’s impressive 12-year unbeaten streak in home Test series is facing a serious challenge as New Zealand built a commanding lead of 301 runs by the end of day two in the second Test in Pune.
After the Kiwis’ historic win in the first Test in Bengaluru, they are now in a prime position to secure a 2-0 series lead, which would clinch the three-match series and bring an end to India’s remarkable run of 18 consecutive home series wins—a streak that dates back to December 2012, when Alastair Cook’s England last triumphed on Indian soil.
Rohit Sharma’s men were left with a mountain to climb after being bowled out for a meager 156 in response to New Zealand’s first innings total of 259. Off-spinner Washington Sundar was India’s standout performer on day one, claiming a brilliant 7-59 to restrict New Zealand.
Also Read: Washington Sundar Sets New Indian Record with Stunning 7-Wicket Haul in Pune Test
However, the tables turned swiftly as New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner tore through the Indian batting lineup with his own seven-wicket haul, taking 7-53 to leave the hosts in a precarious position.
New Zealand, with a first-innings lead of 103, continued to tighten their grip on the match in their second innings. Captain Tom Latham led from the front, anchoring the innings with a composed 86. By stumps, New Zealand were 198-5, with wicketkeeper Tom Blundell unbeaten on 30 and Glenn Phillips set to join him on the third day.
Sundar once again was the standout bowler for India, picking up 4-56 in New Zealand’s second innings, including the key dismissals of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, both of whom had scored half-centuries in the first innings.
With a lead of over 300, New Zealand are in a commanding position to extend their lead further before hunting down the 10 Indian wickets they need to seal victory and end India’s remarkable home dominance.
Second Test, Pune (Day 2 of 5)
New Zealand 259 (Conway 76; Sundar 7-59) & 198-5 (Latham 86; Sundar 4-56)
India 156 (Jadeja 38; Santner 7-53)
