The Champions Trophy 2025 campaign was in most part a happening tour for New Zealand except for the fact that they could win the title this time around. The only team who were able to outperform them twice was India who ultimately clinched the title defeating them by 4 wickets in the all-important final of the tournament. After the defeat, New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner had some interesting thoughts of his own looking back at the reasons behind his team’s failure to ??surpass the Indian challenge in the final.

Mitchell Santner takes a jibe at Dubai conditions

Santner acknowledged that Rohit Sharma‘s brilliant knock was the defining factor in the Champions Trophy final, ultimately proving to be the difference between the two teams. Reflecting on the narrow four-wicket defeat, Santner described it as a “bittersweet end” to their campaign. Rohit’s composed 76 off 83 balls played a pivotal role as India successfully chased down 252 in a thrilling finish.

“I think the way Rohit Sharma played kind of took it away from us, I think, obviously, India here understood the conditions in Dubai perfectly and played some good cricket. Yeah I guess it’s kind of bittersweet at the end,” ?New Zealand skipper said i?n the post-match press conference.

Additionally, the Black Caps skipper also talked about the challenges posed by the Dubai International Cricket Stadium pitch and conditio?ns, w??hich were a stark contrast to those in Lahore, the venue of their semifinal victory over South Africa.

“I guess we just keep coming up against India, which is always a challenge. We knew the conditions were going to be slightly different again from the semifinal, but we were ready for that. I thought we still put in a pretty good performance, and we took India deep. But I guess there’s always a few moments in every game, let alone every final, where you can potentially look back at,” the left-arm spinner remarked.

Also Watch: Ma??yanti Langer blushes after Sunil Gavaskar’s dance following India’s Champions Trophy 2025?? win

Matt Henry a major miss for the Black Caps

Santner also reflected on the absence of star pacer Matt Henry, who had been in exceptional form throughout the tournament. He stated that Henry’s injury and subsequent absence from the final was a significant factor in his team’s inability to contain the Indian batters during the run chase.

“He’s an outstanding bowler. We’ve seen he seems to be able to nip it on wickets that don’t look like they should nip so I guess we missed that today. I feel for Matty – he’s a massive team man and he looked pretty distraught. You know, we just kind of said, like, let’s do it for him. He tried everything he could to be ready for this game and unfortunately for us he wasn’t quite there,” Santner concluded.

With 10 wickets in 4 matches, Henry was the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, emerging as?? a major bone of contention for rival batting units.

Also Watch: Navjot Singh Sidhu and Gautam Gambhir perform ‘bhangra�?to express their joy after India’s ??Champions Trophy 2025 triumph

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New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner delivered a game-changing moment in the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal against South Africa, dismissing Rassie van der Dussen with a peach of a delivery. With the Proteas chasing a formidable target of 363, Van der Dussen was looking solid at the crease, anchoring the innings for his team. However, Santner’s brilliance with the ball turned the tide in New Zea??land’s favor.

A lethal delivery ends Rassie van der Dussen’s resistance

The dismissal came in the 27th over when Santner bowled a delivery that drifted in before straightening sharply after pitching??. Van der Dussen, who had been watchful until then, attempted to work the ball towards the leg side but comple??tely misjudged the line. His bat closed too early, and the ball sneaked past his defense, rattling the middle stump. It was a dream delivery for any spinner—sharp, accurate, and timed perfectly to break the opposition’s momentum.

Van der Dussen had been a crucial part?? of South Africa’s batting order, and his wicket sent a wave of celebration through the New Zealand camp. The Kiwis, led by their captain Santner, were mounting pressure with tight bowling and strategic field placements.

Also READ: SA vs NZ: Rachin Ravindra ?shatters Shikhar Dhawan’s long-standing record in ICC ODI Tournamen?ts

South Africa in deep trouble

With van der Dussen’s dismissal, South Africa found themselves in deep trouble, losing their eighth wicket at the 218-run mark in the 40th over. With a required run rate climbing and wickets tumbling, the Proteas�?hopes of making it to the final were fa?ding quickly.

Santner, who had already been economical throughout his spell, sho??wcased why he is one of the best spinners in white-ball cricket. His ability to extract turn and deceive batters under pressure was on full display, making life difficult for the South African middle order.

As the game moved towards the final overs, ?New Zealand had a firm grip on proceedings, and it was up to the South African lower order to p??roduce something extraordinary to keep their title hopes alive.

Here is the video:

🎯 pic.twitter.com/KVNKCjW07g

— IPL (@WatchIPLvideos) March 5, 2025

Also Read: Fa??????????????????????????ns go berserk as Rachin Ravindra smashes century against South Africa in Champions Trophy 2025

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Mitchell Santner, renowned for his agility and sharp fielding skills, once again proved why he is considered one of the best in the business. A glimpse of his brilliance was on full display during the second ODI of the Pakistan Tri-Series 2025, as his lightning-quick reflexes and accurate throw resulted in the run-out of Jason Smith, turning the tide in New Zealand’s favor.

Mitchell Santner’s lightning reflexes seal Jason Smith’s fate

The moment of magic came on the final ball of the 25th over, bowled by Michael Bracewell. Smith, who had scored a steady 41, attempted a risky single after stabbing the ball to the left of cover. Santner, slightly off-balance while collecting the ball, released it swiftly, delivering a pinpoint throw to wicketkeeper Tom Latham.

Despite Smith’s desperate dive, the TV umpire confirmed the run-out after reviewing whether Latham had collected the ball cleanly before breaking the stumps. The decision left South Africa at 162/3, halting a promising 93-run partnership between Smith and debutant Matthew Breetzke.

Here is the video:

A sensational piece of fielding! 🫨

Skipper Santner got rid of a well-set Jason Smith with this brilliant throw! 👏#TriNationSeriesonFanCode pic.twitter.com/3V0TVTcZrN

— FanCode (@FanCode) February 10, 2025

Also READ: All you need to know about Matthew Breetzke: LSG recruit who smashed century on? his ODI debut in Pakistan

Matthew Breetzke’s dream debut powers South Africa to a decent total

South Africa posted a competitive total of 304/6 in their 50 overs, thanks to a sensational 150 fr??om debutant Breetzke. The young batter showcased remarkable composure and aggression, anchoring the innings with a mix of elegant strokeplay and powerful hitting.

Breetzke’s century came off 128 balls, but he shifted gears in the latter stages of his innings, smashing 11 fours and five sixes to finish with 150 off 148 deliveries. His partnership with Wiaan Mulder (64) was particularly damaging for Ne??w Zealand, as the duo added 131 runs for the fourth wicket. South Africa capitalized on the platfor?m, scoring 108 runs in the final 10 overs to set a challenging target.

While South Africa dominated with the bat, New Zealand’s fielding efforts kept them in the game. Santner’s run-out of Smith was a turning point, breaking a crucial partnership and preventing South Africa from accelerating earlier in the innings.

Also READ: NZ vs SA 2025: Here’s why Rachin Ravindra is not playing today’s match in P?akistan ODI tri-series

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New Zealand have officially announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to kick off on February 19. Their opening encounter against hosts Pakistan will set the tone for the Blackcaps�?campaign. This prestigious tournament is returning after an eight-year hiatus, bringing together the top eight teams in ODI cricket. New Zealand’s squad reflects a mix of youth and experience, with several debutants joining forces with seasoned campaigners. The announcement at Auckland’s Pullman Hotel underscores the Blackcaps’ focus on building momentum for the marquee event in Pakistan and the UAE.

Mitchell Santner: Leading the Blackcaps

Mitchell Santner takes charge of the New Zealand side in his first major ICC assignment as captain, a role he assumed after impressive performances against Sri Lanka in a bilateral series. Known for his calm demeanor and strategic acumen, Santner’s leadership will be pivotal in navigating the team through the spin-friendly conditions expected in Pakistan and the UAE. Beyond captaincy, Santner will lead the spin attack, supported by versatile all-rounders and experienced players like Kane Williamson and Tom Latham. This leadership transition represents New Zealand’s commitment to grooming new leaders while maintaining a competitive edge in global tournaments.

Promising debuts in the bowling department

The inclusion of Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears and Nathan Smith highlights New Zealand’s focus on nurturing y??oung talent. All three pacers will debut?? in ICC tournaments, bringing fresh energy to the squad.

• Ben Sears makes a comeback after recovering from a knee injury, showcasing resilience and potential. He was a traveling reserve during the 2024 T20 World Cup, adding international exposure to his credentials.
• O’Rourke and Smith have emerged as dependable bowlers in domestic cricket and will bolster the pace attack.

Their addition complements experienced campaigners like Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson, ensuring a balanced bowling unit capable of adapting to different match situations. The standby option of Jacob Duffy adds further depth, particularly if ILT20 com?mitments aff??ect Ferguson’s availability.

Strength in spin and versatility in batting

New Zealand’s spin department is led by Santner, with support from all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra, ensuring a comprehensive strategy against spin-friendly conditions. The batting lineup features a robust combination of experience and power, with top-order anchors like Devon Conway and Will Young setting the foundation, while Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman add fini?shing firepower. This blend of stability and aggre?ssion equips the Blackcaps to tackle high-pressure games. The team’s flexibility and depth, both in spin and batting, position them as strong contenders in this tournament.

Also READ: Top 5 fastest New Zealand bowlers ??to take 150 wickets in ODI cricket ft. M??att Henry

The experienced leadership core

Veterans Williamson and Latham provide invaluable experience and ?leadership to the team. Williamson, a proven match-winner, has been part of two previous Champions Trophy campaigns, including the 2013 edition. Latham, who will serve as the primary wicketkeeper, adds reliability to the middle order and tactical acumen in close matches. Their presence ensures a steady core around which the team can rally, particularly in challenging encounters. Both players are integral to the squad’s plans, bringing the?? composure and skills necessary for success in high-stakes games.

Group A: A challenging path ahead

New Zealand is drawn into Group A alongside hosts Pakistan, rivals India, and a resurgent Bangladesh. This group promises intense competition, with only two teams advancing to the semi-finals. The Blackcaps will need to hit the ground running, starting with their?? opening clash against Pakistan in Karachi. Known for their consistency in ICC tournaments, New Zealand will look to leverage their experience of reaching the semi-finals or finals in four of the last five glob?al events. The group stage will test their adaptability, resilience, and ability to execute under pressure. Having last won the Champions Trophy in 2000, New Zealand will enter the 2025 edition with a renewed focus on reclaiming the title.

New Zealand’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025

Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.

Also READ: Joe Root returns as England announces OD??I squad for Champions Trophy 2025 and India tour

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In the ongoing third Test between India and New Zealand at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, the absence of two major players, Jasprit Bumrah for India and Mitchell Santner for New Zealand, has? raised questions among fans. Both teams made late ??adjustments to their playing XIs as Bumrah and Santner were unavailable for the last game of the series.

Reason why Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Santner are not playing the Mumbai Test

New Zealand, having won the toss, opted to bat on what appeared to be a favourable surface. Captain Tom Latham expressed confidence in his side’s ability to adapt quickly to the conditions, mentioning that their strategy remains consistent despite a few lineup changes. Santner, suffering from a minor side strain, has been replaced by leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, who will bring a fresh dimension to the Kiwi attack. Additionally, Matt Henry returns to the team, replacing Tim Southee to strengthen their bowling lineup.

Also READ: BCCI announce India’s Test squ?ad for Australia tour; Kuldeep Yadav misses out

India’s skipper Rohit Sharma, reflecting on the series so far, acknowledged his side’s struggles in the previous two matches, both of which India lost. “It gives another opportunity to try and correct those things,” Rohit noted, emphasizing a focused approach for the final Test.? The absence of Bumrah, a critical component of India’s bowling unit, is a significant blow for India. Bumrah is reportedly unwell and?? has not fully recovered from his viral illness. Therefore, Mohammed Siraj has been brought in to replace him, aiming to bring pace and energy to the Indian attack.

IND vs NZ: Lineups for the third Test

India’s playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra?? Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj

New Zealand’s playing XI: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel, William O’Rourke

Also READ: IND vs NZ 2024, 3rd Test – Mumbai Weather Forecast, Wankhede Test Stats

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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 sh??ared most of the wickets, 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 throu??gh th?e Indian middle 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: Mitchell 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 sid?e in over 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 acumen, and the ability to perform under pressure.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

New Zealand take an unassailable 2-0 lead as India lose their first Test series at home since 2012.#WTC25 | #INDvNZ 📝: //t.co/Kl7qRDguyN pic.twitter.com/ASXLeqArG7

— ICC (@ICC) October 26, 2024

That’s some week for NZ cricket teams. Outstanding. Santner filling the part of visiting destroyer in Pune perfectly. 🫡 #INDvNZ

— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) October 26, 2024

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) October 26, 2024

Well done, New Zealand, on winning the series on Indian soil! For Team India, there’s a lot to reflect on. Senior players need to step up and deliver in t?he ultimate format of the game. The next three months will be crucial for them.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 26, 2024

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) October 26, 2024

FIRST AWAY SERIES WIN FOR NEW ZE?ALAND IN WTC HISTORY..!!!!

– WTC started in August 2019. pic.twitter.com/1NvbVzm1r8

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 26, 2024

New Zealand had beaten India twice away, they have done that in this series alone. And not any Indian side, one 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�?/p>

— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) October 26, 2024

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. #indvnz #cricket

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) October 26, 2024

Crazy that it’s 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 @BLACKCAPS #IndvNZ

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) October 26, 2024

. @BLACKCAPS 🙌�?/p>

— Central Stags 🏏 (@CentralStags) October 26, 2024

Th??ank You Team India for 12 good years of home Test dominatio??n.

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) October 26, 2024

One of the most remarkable?? achievements in Test cricket�?and rare�?beating Ind?ia in India�?

well played New Zealand! 💥#IndvNZ

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) October 26, 2024

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. #IndvNZ

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) October 26, 2024

What an amazing week or two for New Zealand cricket. This is one of the most?? remarkable Test series victories I can remember. Wonderful achievement.

— George Dobell (@GeorgeDobell1) October 26, 2024

Also WATCH: I??ND vs NZ �?Ravindra Ja?deja’s magic ball castles Tom Blundell on Day 3 of the second Test

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New Zealand are on the brink of a historic victory in the Pune Test, showcasing a dominant performance throughout the match. Team India, tasked with chasing a challenging target of 359 runs, find themselves in a precarious position after losing 9 wickets. With over 130 runs still needed to secure the win, the Indian batting lineup is under immense pressure as they strive to avoid defeat on home soil. The match’s tension is palpable as India aims to rally and overcome this daunting challenge.

Mitchell Santner excels with the ball

New Zealand’s standout player, Mitchell Santner, delivered an outstanding bowling performance in both innings of the match. A crucial moment unfolded during the 30th over of India’s second innings when Santner trapped Virat Kohli leg-before wicket, leaving the audience in Pu??ne in complete shock. Kohli, who was looking relatively secure with 17 runs off 40 deliveries, tried to play an arm ball off the back foot but?? missed, allowing the ball to hit him on the pads.

Although Kohli opted for a review, the technology confirmed that the ball was clipping the leg stump, sustaining the on-field umpire’s decision. This dismissal marked yet another occasion where Kohli succumbed to Santner’s clever bowling, having also fallen to him in the first innings.

Also WATCH: IND vs NZ – Ravindra Jadeja’s magic ball castles Tom Blundell on Day 3 of the second Test

Santner makes history with Virat Kohli’s wicket

By dismissing Kohli, Santner made history as he became the first left-arm spinner to take Kohli’s wicket in both innings of a Test match. But his remarkable performance didn’t stop there. Shortly after taking Kohli’s wicket, he bowled Sarfaraz Khan for a mere 9 runs, achieving his second five-wicket haul of the match. This impressive feat made Santner the first New Zealand spinner to claim two five-wicket hauls in a single Tes??t match on Indian soil.

The last spinner to achieve such a milestone against India was Australia’s Steve O’Keefe, who recorded impressive figures of 6/35 in both innings during a Test at the same Pune ve??nue ba?ck in 2017.

New Zealand in commanding position

Santner’s exceptional performance has greatly enhanced New Zealand’s prospects of securing a victory, placing them in a dominant position as India struggles to meet the daunting target. With only two wickets left in hand, the pressure intensifies on the Indian batsmen to mount an incredible comeback, while New Zealand sets its sights on a historic win in Pune.

Also READ: Here’s why Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel have not been picked? for Australia Test tour

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New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner delivered an outstanding performance in the second T??est against India, claiming his career-bes?t bowling figures. His efforts helped New Zealand restrict India to a mere 156 runs in their first innings at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune, establishing a crucial 103-run lead for the visitors.

Mitchell Santner dismantles India’s batting unit

In response to New Zealand’s first-innings total of 259, Santner’s spell dominated India’s batting lineup from the start. He began by dismissing Shubman Gill for 30, followed swiftly by the prized wicket of former Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who departed for just 1 run. Santner continued his excellent form by removing Sarfraz Khan for 11 and followed up with Ravichandran Ashwin just before the lunch break.

After lunch, the Indian lower order attempted to stabilize with a partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, which added 40 runs. However, Santner ended the stand with Jadeja’s dismissal for LBW. His final two wickets, Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah, capped off his brilliant spell, as he wrapped up the innings with figures of 7/53 from 19.3 overs. This was Santner’s first five-wicket haul in Test cricket, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Also READ: Top 5 low?est totals by India ??in Test cricket

Santner’s remarkable spell has placed him among the top New Zealand bowlers in Tests against India.

Best bowling figures by New Zealand players against India in Tests:

1. Simon Doull – 7/65, 1998, Wellington
2. Tim Southee – 7/64, 2012, Bengaluru
3. Mitchell Santner – 7/53, 2024, Pune
4. Richard Hadlee – 7/23, 1976, Wellington
5. Ajaz Patel – 10/119, 2021, Mumbai

Well, Santner’s achievement in Pune not only bolstered New Zealand’s position in the Test but also reinforced his reputation as a sk??illed spinner capable of thriving in challenging conditions.

Also READ: Instances when spinners picked all 10 wickets in the first inn?ings on Day 1 of a Test in India

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New Zealand seized control against India by the end of Day 2 in the second Test at Pune on Friday (October 25), achieving a solid lead of 301 runs with five wickets still in hand. Dominated by a strong performance from the New Zealand batting lineup and spearheaded by Mitchell Santner and Tom Latham, the visitors managed to keep India’s bowling attack at bay for most of the day.

India’s struggles in the first Innings

India’s batting lineup faltered in their first innings, with the team managing only 156 runs in response to New Zealand’s initial score of 259. The Indian top order failed to gain momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals. Opener Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck, and skipper Virat Kohli could only add a single run. Mitchell Santner exploited the conditions well, taking a remarkable seven wickets, which quickly dismantled India’s hopes of a competitive total. Key contributions came from Yashasvi Jaiswal (30) and Ravindra Jadeja (38), but India��s ??middle and lower orders crumbled unde??r the pressure.

Mitchell Santner’s game-changing spell

In India’s first innings, Santner’s bowling proved pivotal, dismantling India’s batting lineup with seven wickets for just 53 runs across 19.3 overs. The left-arm spinner’s variations and control troubled Indian batters, who struggled to find rhythm against him. Santner’s wickets included key players like Shubman Gill, Kohli and Jadeja, whose dismissals played a major role in limiting India to a mere 156. Santner�??�s dominance with the ball handed Ne??w Zealand a crucial first-innings lead, keeping India under pressure.

Also WATCH: Washington Sundar cleans up Rachin Ravindra wi??th a ripper on Day 2 of Pune Test

Tom Latham anchors New Zealand’s innings

Captain Tom Latham showcased resilience and composure, leading New Zealand’s second innings with an 86-run knock off 133 balls. After losing his opening partner Devon Conway early, Latham anchored the innings and skillfully navigated India’s spin-heavy attack, particularly handling Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar‘s bowling. His 10 boundaries highlighted his disciplined shot selection and allowed New Zealand to steadily build on their lead. Latham’s innings was eventually cut short by Sundar, but his knock laid a strong foundation for New Zealand.

Washington Sundar’s effective bowling

Sundar was the standout bowler for India, picking up four wickets in New Zealand’s second innings to restrict their momentum. Sundar’s disciplined line and length created frequent challenges for New Zealand, notably dismissing Conway early. Sundar’s control over the line kept New Zealand’s run rate in check, providing India some reprieve despite New Zealand’s growing lead. His performance was a critical factor in containing New Zealand’s batters and offered India hope heading into the next day.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Latham playing a captain’s knock to become the first Kiwi Captain to ever win?? a series in India

— Gappistan Radio (@whyteknight07) October 25, 2024

That was one super spell, Santner! 👏🏽
But it's against us! 🥲 pic.twitter.com/zwgIQAc7Rx

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) October 25, 2024

Last month, Mitchell Santner played two Tests in Sri Lanka, that too in Galle, and couldn’t buy a wicket, ending with figures of 1-197. Now, in India, he’s taken 7-53 in a single innings. India??’s batters are making Santner look like Herath. ??Rohit and co. just can’t handle spin.

— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) October 25, 2024

Jadeja 28 overs and no wickets on a pitch where Washi has 11 Santner has 7 and even Phillips has 2 , who is to blame him or Rohit ? . #INDvsNZ

— John Wright (@johnwright15) October 25, 2024

India will ?have to do something extraordinary, something very special, to salvage this game. This is a potentially match-winning lead. That proud home record is under serious t?hreat from a team of unassuming, smart cricketers.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 25, 2024

"There is a perception in modern-day cricket that Indians are great batters of spin. They are not. Those days are gone. Now, they are the same as everyone else" – Simon Doull

I have been saying this for years now #INDvNZ

— Shubh Agarwal (@shubh_chintak) October 25, 2024

India playing with the arrogance of a team that thinks it is far superior to its opponent, but is unable to back it up with performance. Classic tortoise versus hare storyline. Their overconfidence boggles the mind #INDvNZ

— Hemant (@hemantbuch) October 25, 2024

"No India batter has applied himself. This is worse than 46 all out" – Ian Smith #INDvNZ

— Shubh Agarwal (@shubh_chintak) October 25, 2024

Tough day for 🇮🇳#MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/BQ9PCKCmaK

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) October 25, 2024

This game and series has been nowhere near most of us had predicted or anticipated or boasted about. Plenty of humble pies to eat.#INDvNZ

— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) October 25, 2024

Test cricket folks. Grind. Look ugly. Don’t play a big shot. Be there. Where is the grind! This is bad batting. That’s what it is. @RevSportzGlobal #INDvNZ

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) October 25, 2024

Day 2, Stumps

NZ: 198/5, lead by 301 runs 🏏#cricket #INDvsNZ #newzealandcricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/IutQHINu1o

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 25, 2024

Also WATCH: IND vs NZ? �?Washington Sundar’s spin wizardry to dismiss Devon Conway on Day 2 of the second Test

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