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New Zealand achieved a historic series victory against India, clinching the second Test in Pune by 113 runs. This win marked New Zealand’s first-ever Test series triumph on Indian soil, ending India’s dominant run of 18 consecutive home series victories that began in 2012. Despite India being heavy favorites, especially on their own turf, New Zealand defied the odds and secured the series with one match remaining.
Advantage with the decent first innings total
New Zealand batted first and managed a competitive total of 259 runs in their opening innings. Captain Tom Latham led from the front with a steady knock of 52, while Devon Conway contributed with 76, building a solid foundation. Will Young (18) and Rachin Ravindra (65) also chipped in with valuable runs. India’s spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar shared mosᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚt of the wicket෴s, with Sundar taking 5 for 79 to restrict the visitors.
Mitchell Santner’s 5-fer destroys India
India’s reply with the bat was disappointing as they were bundled out for just 156 runs. Youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored with 30 runs, but no other batter could make a significant impact. Tim Southee and Glenn Phillips were crucial in dismantling India’s top order, but it was Mitchell Santner who stole the show with his spin, claiming 5 wickets for 37 runs, tearing through the Indian m🔴iddle and lower ▨order.
Rachin Ravindra helps New Zealand build a strong lead in second innings
In their second innings, New Zealand capitalized on their first-innings lead, posting 255 runs. Latham again anchored the innings with a solid 86, while Glenn Phillips added a crucial unbeaten 48 down the order. Contributions from Ravindra (91) and Daryl Mitchell (18) helped push the total beyond India’s reach. Washington was again the pick of the bowlers for India, taking 5 wickets, while Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja also contributed with important breakthroughs.
Also READ: IND vs NZ: ಞMitchell Santner scripts history with Virat Kohli’s wicket in the Pune Test
Santner shines again as India’s collapse leads to defeat
Set a target of 359 runs, India faltered once again, finishing at 245 all out. Despite a fighting 77 from Jaiswal and a supportive 42 by Jadeja, India struggled against Santner’s disciplined bowling. The spinner was relentless, ending with another 6-wicket haul (6 for 46), bringing his total to 11 wickets for the match. Ajaz Patel and Phillips also chipped in with timely wickets, sealing New Zealand’s dominant win.
New Zealand defies the odds to make history
The result marked one of the most significant upsets in recent cricket history, with New Zealand defying all expectations. Recently coming off a 0-2 defeat in Sri Lanka, the Kiwis were under immense pressure, especially with a new captain, Latham, leading an inexperienced squad in the absence of Kane Williamson. But the team played fearlessly and produced a historic result, becoming the first side in oveꦰr a decade to defeat India in a Test series on home soil. New Zealand’s victory in Pune stands as a testament to their resilience, tactical acu♔men, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
New Zealand take a🌃n unassailable 2-0 lead as India lose their first Test series at hom🔜e since 2012. | 📝:
— ICC (@ICC)
That’s some week for NZ cricket teams. Outstanding. Santner filling the part of visiting destroyer in ൲Pune perfectly. 🫡
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell)
New Zealand has breached India's fortress. A record that India proudly held for 12 years has been broken. A Test series loss is an eye opener. India looked like they were playing in alien conditions. Players need to take accountability for this loss
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang)
Well done, New Zealand, on winning the series on Indian soil! For Team India, there’s a lot to reflect o💙n. Senior pla𓄧yers need to step up and deliver in the ultimate format of the game. The next three months will be crucial for them.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan)
New Zealand haven't just won a Test series in India, they've beaten them by eight wickets and 113 runs, and done it all without Kane Williamson. Astonishing
— Ben Gardner (@Ben_Wisden)
FIRST AWAY SERIES WIN FOR NE𓂃W ZEALAND IN WTC HISTORY..!!!!
– WTC started in August 2019.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
New Zealand had beaten India twice away, they 🧔have done that in this series alone. And not any Indian side, oꦏne that was not losing home series at all. Am sure I have seen a bigger upset than this. But I have no idea what it is. But one of them would be the World Cup they won…
— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber)
India's 12-year unbeaten run in home Test series is over. New Zealand's win today has ended a remarkable sequence of 18 consecutive home series wins for India since Alastair Cook's England clinched a famous 2-1 triumph in December 2012.
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket)
Crazy that it’ꦜs 20 years since India went into a dead rubber on home soil having already lost the Test series, and once again as it turns out in Mumbai. One of the most stunning results in recent times this. Two massive margins of victory too for the
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07)
. 🙌
— Central Stags 🏏 (@CentralStags)
Thank You Team India for 12 good years ofඣ home 💫Test domination.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer)
One of the most remarkable achievements in Test crickeಞt… and rare… beating 💖India in India…
well played New Zealand! 💥
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula)
19.40 percent of Mitchell Santner’s Test career wickets have come from one game in Pune. He has 67 wickets in 29 Tests – 13 of them in one game against India.
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad)
What an amazing week or two for New Zealand cricket. This is one of the most remarkable Test series victories I can reꦗmember. Wonderful achievement.
— George Dobell (@GeorgeDobell1)
