IND vs NZ Test: New Zealand Leads by 301 Runs as Mitchell Santner’s 7-Wickets Puts India in Trouble

On Day 2 of the IND vs NZ Test, New Zealand takes a commanding 301-run lead, thanks to Mitchell Santner’s 7-wicket haul, leaving India in a difficult position.”

New Zealand maintained their control on Day 2 of the second Test, extending their lead to 301 runs over India, who finished the day at 198/5. This commanding position has placed the hosts in a precarious situation as they strive to avoid a series defeat at home for the first time in over a decade.

In a gripping encounter in Pune, New Zealand has established a commanding presence in the second Test against India, concluding Day 2 with a formidable 301-run lead. The Kiwis finished the day at 198/5, putting immense pressure on the Indian team, which now faces a challenging road ahead to avoid a series defeat at home for the first time in over 11 years.

IND vs NZ Test: New Zealand’s Control Over the Match

The trouble for India began early, as they were bowled out for a mere 156 runs in their first innings. Mitchell Santner was the standout performer with the ball, delivering a career-best performance of 7 wickets for just 53 runs. His exceptional spell dismantled the Indian batting lineup, which struggled to cope with New Zealand’s bowling attack, especially in spin-friendly conditions.

On Day 2, India’s openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, showed promise with cautious innings of 30 runs each. However, their inability to convert starts into significant scores highlighted India’s frailty. The breakthrough came when Santner dismissed Gill, followed shortly by the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli for just 1 run. This left India reeling and marked a turning point in the match.

Mitchell Santner’s Stellar Bowling Display

Santner’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. Claiming his maiden five-wicket haul, he dismissed key players such as Sarfaraz Khan and Ravindra Jadeja, leaving India in a precarious position at 103/7. The Indian lower order could not muster a significant resistance, and they were ultimately bowled out for 156, handing New Zealand a substantial first-innings lead.

The Indian team’s struggles against spin were evident throughout the innings, with Santner exploiting the conditions to great effect. His control and accuracy not only troubled the Indian batsmen but also instilled a sense of dominance in the Kiwis.

New Zealand’s Solid Second Innings

Resuming play in their second innings, New Zealand showcased a more assertive batting performance. Openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham provided a strong start, setting the tone for the innings. Latham, in particular, played a crucial knock, scoring 86 runs before his dismissal late in the day. His innings was marked by patience and skill, extending New Zealand’s lead to a daunting figure.

Washington Sundar emerged as a bright spot for India, taking 4 wickets for 56 runs, which included the dismissals of Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Daryl Mitchell. His efforts gave the Indian team some hope, but the overall performance of the bowling attack remained inconsistent, struggling to maintain pressure on the New Zealand batsmen.

The Challenge Ahead for India

As Day 2 drew to a close, Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips remained at the crease, consolidating New Zealand’s position. With the lead now exceeding 300 runs, India faces a monumental task ahead in the third day. The team will need to summon all their resources and resilience to chase down a daunting target, or risk suffering a historic series defeat at home.

The stakes have never been higher, and the Indian players will need to regroup and address their batting woes. With New Zealand closing in on a potential series victory, every session of play becomes increasingly crucial. The pressure is mounting on the Indian team to turn the tide and avoid an embarrassing outcome.

As the series progresses, cricket fans worldwide will be watching intently to see if India can stage a comeback or if New Zealand will capitalize on their strong position to secure a memorable win. Day 3 promises to be an exciting and pivotal day in this high-stakes contest, with the prospect of a historic series win for the Kiwis hanging in the balance.