New Zealand has taken firm control of the second Test against India in Pune, ending Day 2 with a commanding lead of 301 runs. The visitors, led by Mitchell Santner’s outstanding bowling performance, bowled India out for just 156 runs, gaining a crucial first-innings lead of 103. Tom Latham then led the charge with a captain’s knock, further consolidating New Zealand’s dominance as they reached 85-2 at tea.
Santner Spins New Zealand to the Top
New Zealand’s day began with a stellar bowling effort, courtesy of left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, whose magnificent seven-wicket haul (7/53 in 19.3 overs) dismantled India’s batting lineup. Santner was well-supported by off-spinner Glenn Phillips, who chipped in with two wickets, finishing with figures of 2/26. Together, the spin duo accounted for nine of India’s wickets, leaving the hosts reeling on a spin-friendly track.
India, who started the day at 16-1, seemed to be finding their feet after losing Rohit Sharma early on Day 1. Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara put together a brief stand to take India to 50 for 1. However, Santner’s introduction into the attack changed the course of the game. He bowled with guile and precision, running through India’s middle and lower order, with only Virat Kohli offering some resistance with his 38 runs.
India’s collapse after lunch was sudden and steep, as they lost their last nine wickets for just 106 runs. Santner’s seven-for marked his career-best figures in Test cricket and gave New Zealand a significant first-innings lead.
New Zealand Strengthen Grip
Having secured a 103-run lead, New Zealand came out determined to extend their advantage in their second innings. Despite losing Will Young early to Ravichandran Ashwin, who continued his good form from the first innings, captain Tom Latham anchored the innings with a steady knock. Latham played with composure, guiding New Zealand to 85-2 at tea on Day 2.
Latham was joined by Devon Conway, and the two put together a partnership that frustrated the Indian bowlers. With a mammoth lead already in hand, New Zealand’s approach was calculated, with an eye on putting India under immense pressure in the final innings of the match. At the end of Day 2, the visitors led by 301 runs, setting the stage for a possible series-defining victory.
India’s Struggles with the Bat
India’s batting woes have been the story of the match so far. After restricting New Zealand to 259 in their first innings, India’s batsmen failed to capitalize, with wickets falling at regular intervals. None of the Indian top-order batters, barring Kohli, could make a significant contribution, and the middle order crumbled under the relentless pressure from Santner and Phillips.
The team’s struggles against spin were evident, as they seemed unable to counter the turn and bounce extracted by New Zealand’s spinners. India will now need to regroup and come up with a strategy to stage a comeback in what is a must-win game for them.
Gavaskar Questions India’s Changes
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar questioned India’s decision to make three changes for the second Test. “It feels like a bit of a panic decision,” said Gavaskar, referring to the inclusion of Washington Sundar, KS Bharat, and Shardul Thakur in the playing XI. While Sundar impressed with his bowling on Day 1, taking key wickets, India’s changes did not seem to pay off with the bat as the hosts folded for a below-par total.
Can India Stage a Miracle?
With New Zealand now holding a commanding 301-run lead, India faces an uphill task to avoid defeat in the second Test. The visitors, on the verge of a historic series win in India, will look to bat for as long as possible on Day 3 and further tighten their grip on the match. The pressure will be on India’s bowlers to make early breakthroughs and prevent the lead from becoming insurmountable.
India, known for their fighting spirit, will hope to pull off a miraculous turnaround. However, given New Zealand’s dominance so far, the task will require nothing short of a herculean effort from both India’s bowlers and batsmen.
Stay Tuned for More Updates
As New Zealand pushes for a historic series win, stay tuned to BOSI for all the latest updates from the ongoing Test match. Can India claw their way back into the game, or will New Zealand script a famous victory? We’ll keep you posted with every twist and turn as the match progresses.
