In a historic turn of events in Pune, New Zealand has clinched a memorable 112-run win over India, ending the host nation’s stronghold at home that stretched over 18 bilateral series since 2012. The triumph, which saw India defeated in a home series for the first time in 11 years, was spearheaded by the outstanding performance of Mitchell Santner. Following his impressive figures of 7-53 in the first innings, Santner continued his display of excellence with 6-104 in the second innings, making him a crucial figure in New Zealand’s landmark victory.
The third day of the Test set the scene for India’s uphill battle as they found themselves requiring an imposing 181 more runs to stay afloat in the game by the Tea break. Despite the seasoned efforts of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, who have previously excelled in crisis scenarios, particularly on Indian soil, this match proved a bridge too far for the duo. They managed to assemble a 39-run stand, temporarily stalling New Zealand’s victory parade. However, Santner shattered this partnership by inducing an edge from Ashwin, leading to a catch by Daryl Mitchell at first slip.
Jadeja put up a valiant effort, tallying a solo score of 42, striving to push the match deeper into the day. However, when left with just the tail-enders for support, his lone battle was bound to end. Akash Deep’s resolve wavered after taking 24 deliveries to score, ultimately succumbing to the temptation of playing a big shot against Ajaz Patel, resulting in his dismissal. Jasprit Bumrah gave a fleeting moment of cheer to the crowd with a six and a four off Santner, but it was a mere delay to the inevitable. Jadeja’s attempt to slog against Ajaz Patel concluded the innings.
Setting the stage for their 112-run triumph, New Zealand demonstrated precision both with bat and ball. On a Pune surface that was dry and spinning, winning the toss was a crucial factor, and fortune favored Tom Latham in his debut as full-time captain. Vital half-centuries from Devon Conway (76) and Rachin Ravindra (65) gave the visitors a solid foundation despite the challenging pitch conditions. These innings turned out to be critical, particularly when contrasted with New Zealand’s unexpected collapse against Washington Sundar’s career-best 7-59.
Conway and Ravindra showcased composure and elegance in their stroke play, a feat more impressive given the pitch’s tricky nature. While their ambitions might have aimed for a team total in the 300-325 range, Sundar’s exceptional performance limited New Zealand, claiming seven wickets for only 62 runs. India, albeit briefly, gained the upper hand.
. However, their celebrations were short-lived as New Zealand unleashed a determined performance on the second day.
Paralleling Sundar, Santner returned to form after a forgettable series in Sri Lanka. Under pressure to prove his red-ball prowess, Santner delivered remarkably. His technique, marked by a tall release, strategic trajectory, and savvy pace variations, posed unsolvable puzzles for the Indian batters on the unpredictable Pune wicket. The Indian team’s timid approach to spin played into Santner’s hands and resulted in a significant first-innings lead of 103 runs for New Zealand.
Despite early promise from Yashasvi Jaiswal (30) and Shubman Gill (30), alongside a decent score from Ravindra Jadeja (38), India lacked a substantial innings contribution. New Zealand’s first innings lead turned out to be a game-defining factor, casting India in a constant catch-up role. Their only chance of swinging the balance depended on severely restricting New Zealand in their second outing, a hope that was quickly dispelled as the Black Caps attacked from the onset, guided by Latham’s assertive knock of 86.
India’s spinners, burdened by the pressure of preserving an unbeaten home record, struggled significantly. Neither Ashwin nor Jadeja could replicate Santner’s precision and control. It was Sundar who once again sparked some fight with his timely wickets, but his efforts lacked the necessary support from the other end. By the end of day two, New Zealand’s lead surpassed 300, rendering the result almost inevitable.
With the target set at a towering 359, the Indian side faced an unachievable mountain. Yashasvi Jaiswal offered a glimmer of hope with an aggressive 77, but Santner, once again, emerged as the destroyer, dismantling the Indian line-up and sealing the fate of the game. Rishabh Pant’s duck via a run-out further nailed India’s hopes.
Santner’s double-fifer in this match, something he had never achieved in First-class cricket before, was the cornerstone of New Zealand’s historic series win. Among various records broken, this was notably New Zealand’s first series triumph in India in 12 years. The victory shone brightly, distinctly marking an end to India’s long domestic dominance in the Test arena.