Image Source: BCCI
New Zealand Eye First Test Series Win in India, End Day 2 with 301-Run Lead
New Zealand is closing in on a historic Test series victory in India, finishing Day 2 of the second Test in Pune with a commanding 301-run lead.
The Kiwis ended the day at 198/5 in their second innings, with captain Tom Latham leading the charge with a resilient 86.
Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell remains unbeaten on 30 at stumps, giving New Zealand a strong position to secure their first-ever Test series win on Indian soil.
Sundar and Santner Star for Respective Sides
Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar continued his excellent bowling form, picking up four wickets in New Zealand’s second innings, adding to his career-best 7/59 in the first innings, where he helped restrict the visitors to 259.
Earlier in the day, India’s batting lineup faltered again, collapsing to 156 in response to New Zealand’s first-innings total. Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner was the chief architect of India’s downfall, claiming seven wickets. Santner’s impressive performance mirrored Sundar’s effort and helped New Zealand take a crucial 103-run first-innings lead. Glenn Phillips also chipped in with two wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja top-scored for India with 38 runs.
India’s Struggles Continue
India’s batting woes have been a recurring issue in this series. After being bowled out for just 46 in the first Test in Bengaluru, which they lost by eight wickets, India’s collapse in Pune only deepened concerns. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed 30 runs each, but the team struggled to build a significant total.
New Zealand now holds a strong advantage as they push for a landmark series victory in India, aiming to break India’s 18-series home winning streak. India will need a remarkable turnaround on Day 3 to avoid a rare home series defeat.
