India vs New Zealand 2nd Test Day 3 Recap: New Zealand Secures Historic Series Win
On Day 3 of the second Test in Pune, New Zealand bowled India out for 245 in the second innings, claiming a memorable 113-run victory to clinch the three-match series 2-0. This marked New Zealand’s maiden Test series win on Indian soil, a historic achievement that concluded on Saturday. Mitchell Santner was instrumental with the ball, taking 6-104 in the second innings, for an impressive 13-wicket match haul.
New Zealand’s triumph in Pune followed their strong performance in the opening Test in Bengaluru, which they won by eight wickets. With this victory, they ended India’s remarkable streak of 18 consecutive home series wins, dating back to 2012.
Highlights and Reactions
Oct 26, 2024 – 16:36 IST
The win in Pune seals a significant series for New Zealand. For India, the upcoming third Test in Mumbai presents an opportunity to restore pride and gather crucial World Test Championship points. New Zealand, meanwhile, has bolstered its own WTC standing and will aim for a rare series sweep on Indian turf. The third Test begins on November 1 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, with the first ball at 4 am GMT.
Player of the Match – Mitchell Santner
Mitchell Santner was awarded Player of the Match for his 13-wicket performance. He reflected on the challenging second innings and credited India’s resilience, particularly highlighting Jaiswal’s gritty play. Santner expressed satisfaction at contributing to a landmark win and emphasized the importance of consistency in his bowling approach.
New Zealand’s Captain – Tom Latham
Captain Tom Latham shared his pride in the team’s historic achievement. He praised the team’s all-around effort, noting how players stepped up in key moments. Following their win in Bengaluru, he explained that their focus was on staying grounded and performing well in the second Test.
India’s Captain – Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma expressed disappointment with the result, acknowledging New Zealand’s superior performance. He pointed out that missed opportunities, especially in batting, hurt India’s chances. Sharma commended his bowlers for keeping New Zealand’s second innings under 230 but admitted that India fell short under pressure. Looking ahead, he stressed the need for improved plans and execution in the Wankhede Test.
Post-Match Presentation
During the presentation, New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips expressed pride in achieving such a historic series win in India, highlighting the challenges of playing in the country’s conditions. Santner’s dominant performance, described as “golden,” was a crucial factor in New Zealand’s control over the match.
Key Moments from Day 3
India fought back with a spirited bowling effort in the morning session, restricting New Zealand’s innings to 57 runs and setting themselves a target of 359. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive start kept India’s hopes alive, with support from Shubman Gill. However, Jaiswal’s dismissal triggered a momentum shift, allowing Santner to capitalize with frequent breakthroughs.
India’s familiar struggles against spin resurfaced, leading to a collapse as Santner ran through the middle order. Despite efforts from Ashwin and Jadeja to stabilize the innings, New Zealand’s bowlers maintained control, dismissing India and sealing a famous win.
New Zealand’s series win in India has broken a long-standing record and marked a new chapter in their cricketing history, concluding a journey of resilience and skill on foreign soil.