India's First Home Series Defeat Since 2012 - Fan attribute ill effects of IPL.
In a historic achievement, New Zealand triumphed over India with a commanding 113-run victory in the second Test match held in Pune, marking their first-ever Test series win on Indian soil. This remarkable feat unfolded on Saturday when the New Zealand bowlers showcased their skill and determination, successfully bowling India out for 245 runs on the third day. The hosts, chasing a challenging target of 359 runs, fell short, resulting in New Zealand securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
This victory is particularly significant as it marks India’s first home Test series defeat since they lost to England, led by Alastair Cook, with a score of 2-1 in December 2012. The loss highlights New Zealand’s growing prowess in cricket and emphasizes a rare slip for the Indian team on their home turf.
Mitchell Santner emerged as the standout performer in this match, delivering an exceptional bowling performance that set the foundation for New Zealand’s success. His spell of 7 wickets for just 53 runs in India’s first innings was instrumental in restricting the hosts to 156 runs. Santner’s ability to apply pressure on the Indian batsmen with his precise line and length was evident throughout his spell, and it played a crucial role in putting India on the back foot early in the match.
The victory in this Test match not only reflects New Zealand’s strategic execution and teamwork but also underscores the challenges that top teams like India can face at home. The combination of skilful bowling, effective field placements, and keen cricketing intelligence allowed New Zealand to dominate the game from start to finish.
As the series progresses, New Zealand's confidence is likely to soar, while India will need to reassess their strategies to bounce back in the final Test. This loss serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of cricket, where even the strongest teams can face unexpected hurdles. The upcoming match will be crucial for India to restore their pride on home ground and avoid a series defeat, while New Zealand will aim to complete a historic clean sweep.
In summary, Santner’s remarkable bowling, combined with a solid team effort, has not only secured New Zealand’s place in the record books but also provided a significant moment in the ongoing narrative of Test cricket. As fans look forward to the final match of the series, the stakes have never been higher, with both teams having everything to play for. The cricketing world will undoubtedly be watching closely as these two competitive teams face off in what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the series.
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