In a shocking turn of events, India suffered a rare home series defeat to New Zealand, their first on home soil in 12 years, when they fell short in their second Test chase. Chasing a challenging 359 on the third day in Pune, India were bowled out for 245 as New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner delivered an outstanding performance, taking six wickets for 104 runs. This decisive victory handed New Zealand an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Santner’s 6-104 marked his second five-wicket haul of the match, ending with a remarkable 13-wicket haul. It was his fellow spinner, Ajaz Patel, who sealed India’s fate by dismissing Ravindra Jadeja for a resilient 42 and claiming the final wicket, ending India’s run of 18 consecutive home series wins—a streak that began after their defeat to England in 2012.
India’s defeat at home, especially in spin-friendly conditions, underscored New Zealand’s supremacy throughout the series. In the first Test in Bengaluru, India had been outplayed in seamer-friendly conditions, losing by eight wickets, a loss that set the tone for the series. With this victory, New Zealand has not only outclassed India in both batting and bowling but also established themselves as formidable challengers in conditions that usually favor Indian spinners.
India’s struggle to chase down high totals was apparent in this series, and history wasn’t on their side; the highest total they have successfully chased at home remains 387-4 against England in Chennai in 2008. Hopes of a comeback dimmed on the difficult Pune pitch at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, where New Zealand’s spinners dismantled India’s batting order.
The Indian innings initially looked promising as Yashasvi Jaiswal, known for his aggressive approach, launched a series of spectacular boundaries, making a promising 77. However, his dismissal by Santner proved a turning point. Shortly after, Rishabh Pant’s unexpected run-out for a duck sent shockwaves through the Indian lineup, reducing India to a precarious 127-4 after lunch.
Santner continued to torment India’s top order, dismissing Rohit Sharma for eight, trapping Virat Kohli lbw for 17, and removing Shubman Gill for 23. With the middle order in disarray, Santner’s tight bowling left India with little hope of recovery. Sarfaraz Khan, who had shown form in the first Test, fell for just nine runs, missing a low delivery from Santner, marking back-to-back five-wicket hauls for the left-arm spinner.
The afternoon session saw more Indian wickets fall as Washington Sundar was dismissed for 21 by Glenn Phillips, and Santner soon claimed Ravichandran Ashwin for 18, leaving India teetering at 206-8 and staring down the barrel of defeat.
Earlier, New Zealand set up their strong position with a second-innings total of 255, bolstered by skipper Tom Latham’s solid 86 and important lower-order contributions. Resuming at 198-5 with a lead of over 300, New Zealand’s morning session saw Tom Blundell removed for 41 by Jadeja, giving the left-arm spinner his first wicket of the game.
Santner, fresh off his 7-53 on Friday, was caught in the deep for four as he aimed to go after Jadeja, but he had already put New Zealand in control. New Zealand’s lower order held firm, with Tim Southee falling to a sharp slip catch by Rohit off Ashwin’s bowling. Jadeja managed another wicket with a fine running catch from Washington Sundar in the deep as Ajaz Patel fell for one, while William O’Rourke was run out by the bowler for a duck, leaving Phillips stranded on a well-constructed 48 not out.
The New Zealand side, poised to attempt a clean sweep in Mumbai, will be confident given their dominance so far. India’s management will no doubt reflect on the team’s performance, particularly on how to navigate challenging pitches and high run chases.
