NewZealand breach Fortress India, claim historic series win

The New Zealand cricket team secured a historic 113-run victory over India in the second Test at Pune, clinching the series in a spectacular display that ended India's 18-series home dominance.The result marks the first time New Zealand has won a Test series on Indian soil, breaking India’s unbeaten home streak since 2012 and delivering a blow to India’s World Test Championship (WTC) aspirations here on Saturday.

India’s fourth-innings pursuit of a daunting 359-run target faced early setbacks and ultimately fell short, as New Zealand’s spinners turned the tide with unwavering discipline. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, seasoned batsmen in crisis situations, tried to counterattack in the final session.However, with Ashwin dismissed for 18 by Santner, and Ajaz Patel wrapping up the innings by dismissing Jadeja for a defiant 42, New Zealand capped off a dominant performance with a game to spare in the three-match series.

Mitchell Santner proved the standout player for New Zealand, taking a remarkable 13 wickets in the match. Santner’s relentless control and guile overwhelmed India’s batting lineup, while Patel and Glenn Phillips also delivered timely breakthroughs, leaving India’s batsmen without answers.

Earlier, New Zealand set up their lead with valuable contributions from Phillips and Tom Blundell, frustrating the Indian bowlers in the morning session. Despite spirited efforts by Jadeja, who bagged crucial wickets in a late flurry, the Indian bowling lineup could not stem the Kiwis’ steady accumulation.In India’s chase, openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill initially showed promise, adding 81 for the first wicket by lunch. Jaiswal reached a brisk half-century, amassing 77 runs off 41 balls with a flurry of boundaries.

However, his dismissal triggered a collapse. Gill departed soon after for 23, and the middle order crumbled under mounting pressure. Notably, Virat Kohli’s struggles continued as he fell for 17, while Rishabh Pant was run out for a duck, a significant blow to India’s pursuit.

Skipper Tom Latham, leading New Zealand in place of the absent Kane Williamson, orchestrated a disciplined performance from his side, steering them to victory despite their recent 0-2 series defeat in Sri Lanka. This triumph will be etched in Kiwi cricket history, representing a momentous achievement against an Indian side that has long reigned supreme on home turf.

India, under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma, now face pressing questions about their strategy and resilience as they regroup for the third Test in Mumbai. For New Zealand, the victory symbolises a testament to persistence and teamwork, marking a celebrated series win that resonates deeply within their cricketing legacy.(UNI)<>