In a historic turn of events, India’s record-breaking 18-series winning streak on home soil ended at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. New Zealand defeated the hosts by a resounding 100-run margin in the second Test, securing their maiden series victory in India since their first tour in 1955. Mitchell Santner’s exceptional all-round performance, marked by a five-wicket haul in both innings, was instrumental in the visitors’ triumph.
New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner was the standout performer, achieving his career-best bowling figures in First-Class cricket. He dismantled India’s batting order, claiming a seven-wicket haul in the first innings and adding another five in the second. Santner’s dominance became apparent in the opening 10 overs of the second session on Day 3, where he removed key Indian batsmen and curtailed a budding partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill.
After an aggressive knock of 77 off 65 balls from Yashasvi Jaiswal gave India some hope before Lunch, Santner quickly ended his stay at the crease and dismissed Gill soon after. A critical turning point came when Rishabh Pant was run out without scoring, further weakening India’s response. Santner continued his momentum by removing Virat Kohli for the second time in the series, leaving the Indian lineup in disarray as they lost six wickets for 97 runs in the second session, sealing New Zealand’s remarkable victory.
Hard luck team India!
