New Delhi: New Zealand created history in Pune as they hammered India by 113 runs in the 2nd Test to bag their second win on the trot and clinch the three-match series with an unassailable 2-0 lead. Tom Latham-led Kiwis ended India’s long-standing dominance in Tests at home to bag their first-ever Test series victory on Indian soil. With the series victory, New Zealand brought an end to India’s unbeaten run in 18 consecutive Test series at home.
Asked to chase down a tricky target of 359 runs in their second innings, Indian batters once again failed to turn up as the New Zealand spinners dominated the proceedings in Pune. Mitchell Santner picked up his second consecutive fifer in India’s second innings to bundle out the hosts for 245 runs in their run-chase and secure a thumping victory for New Zealand.
Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored for India with a brilliant 77 to give the hosts a good start in their chase, however, the likes of skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan all failed to deliver. Ravindra Jadeja kept India in the game with a fighting 42 but his efforts were not enough as the hosts eventually succumbed to an embarrassing defeat.
Updated WTC standings:
Despite the defeat, India continue to remain at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table with a win percentage of 62.82. However, the defeat has come as a huge blow to Rohit & Co.’s chances of qualifying for the final of the competition. India have so far won 8, lost 4 and drawn 1 out of 13 matches in the ongoing WTC cycle.
Latest WTC table. (Photo: ICC)
