In a decisive and commanding performance, New Zealand has taken the upper hand in the ongoing second Test against India, staged at the MCA Stadium in Pune. The match is proving to be a stern test for the hosts, who have been outplayed in both departments by an invigorated New Zealand side. The Kiwis, after posting a respectable total of 259 runs in their first innings, demonstrated exceptional prowess and strategy by obliterating the Indian batting line-up, bowling them out for a mere 156 runs. This leaves the visitors in a commanding position with a significant lead of 103 runs.
The pitch conditions in Pune have been a crucial aspect of the gameplay, with the surface progressively favoring the bowlers, particularly the spinners. New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner emerged as the star performer, weaving magic with the ball and dismantling the Indian batting with remarkable efficiency. Santner’s figures of seven wickets for just 53 runs are a testament to his skill and the challenges faced by the Indian batsmen on this particular track.
This lead of 103 runs is noteworthy, especially in an Indian stadium, as this is the first instance since 2001 that a visiting team has managed to establish such a substantial lead in consecutive Tests on Indian soil. Last week, New Zealand had already set the stage with a commanding 356-run lead in the Bengaluru Test after stunning India by bowling them out for a paltry 46 runs. Back in 2001, Australia was the last team to accomplish a similar feat, establishing a 173-run lead at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and a 274-run advantage at Eden Gardens.
The ongoing series holds significant importance as it has marked the end of a 23-year streak for India, during which no foreign team managed to gain a lead of over 100 runs across back-to-back Tests played on Indian turf. New Zealand’s performance places them on the brink of another major triumph, as they threaten to terminate India’s exceptional unbeaten run of 18 consecutive home series victories.
. The last time India faced a Test series defeat at home was in 2012 against a formidable England side. Since that setback, India has been an indomitable force on their home grounds, participating in 18 home series and emerging victorious in every single one. Despite encountering five Test losses over the past 12 years on home soil, they managed to avoid any series defeat, showcasing unparalleled dominance and consistency.
However, with New Zealand currently leading the charge, India finds themselves at a crossroads. The second innings is still underway, and while there is a theoretical chance for India to stage a comeback, the odds are heavily stacked against them. The pitch continues to deteriorate, making batting increasingly treacherous, particularly in the fourth innings. Historically, India’s record when it comes to chasing targets at home isn’t inspiring, a factor compounded by their noticeable struggle against spin bowling.
The current situation is a true litmus test for India’s resolve and capabilities. The pressure mounts on the team as they look to withstand a formidable New Zealand attack and salvage their pride. As the match progresses, the cricketing world closely watches to see if New Zealand can etch their name into history by ending India’s unbeaten home series streak, or if India can summon their famed resilience to turn the tide in their favor.
Cricket fans are reminded of the unpredictability and competitiveness of Test cricket – a format where conditions, strategy, and the mental fortitude of players can profoundly influence outcomes. As the series unfolds, it remains to be seen whether India can navigate this formidable challenge and protect their proud record, or if New Zealand will cement their ascendency in the annals of cricketing history.
