Tom Latham-led New Zealand side defeated Rohit Sharma's India by 113 runs in the second Test of the three-match series which was being played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, on October 26 (Saturday). This was the first loss for the Indian team in a Test series at home after 12 years.
Washington Sundar's iconic 7-fer
Star all-rounder Washington Sundar who was making his return to the red-ball format for India after a long time made a big impact with the ball in the first innings. He picked up a stunning 7-wicket haul in the first innings and helped the hosts to restrict Kiwis to just 259 runs. Prior to this match, he had a total of 6 wickets in total in his Test career.
India's batting struggle continues
However, despite restricting the Kiwis to a low score with stunning bowling, India failed to capitalise as their batting got completely exposed in front of Mitchell Santner. The Indian batters that were once hailed for their astonishing spin-playing skills fell like a house of cards in front of the NZ spinners at their own home.
New Zealand bowled out India for a paltry score of 156 in the first innings with the help of a 7-wicket haul from Santner, who was at his very best with the ball. This gave NZ a massive 103 runs first innings lead.
Kiwis set big target for India
New Zealand again posted 255 runs on the board which with the lead became 358 runs. Captain Tom Latham's 86 and crucial knocks from Tom Blundell (41) and Glenn Phillips (48) helped the visitors take a massive stand against India.
India collapse again
Yashasvi Jaiswal's 77 did give India hope for a while that they would be able to chase down this big target but a collapse followed his dismissal and the Indian team lost their first Test series at home after a span of 12 years.
