Mitchell Santner has etched his name in the annals of New Zealand cricket history with a stunning performance against India in Pune, achieving his maiden ten-wicket haul in Test matches. On the third day of the second Test, Santner’s spin wizardry left the host nation teetering on the brink of a historic home series defeat, a first since 2012.
As the afternoon session unfolded, it seemed as if the momentum might slightly tilt in India’s favor. Yashasvi Jaiswal, resuming his innings with confidence, continued to exhibit aggressive strokeplay that momentarily put New Zealand under pressure. Jaiswal cracked a robust 77, showcasing his intent right from the outset. His shot selection was impeccable, maintaining an aggressive stance that kept the Kiwi bowlers vigilant. However, Santner was just warming up, ready to deliver what transpired to be a game-defining spell.
The turning point came when Santner unleashed his formidable skills with the ball, starting with the crucial dismissal of Shubman Gill. Gill succumbed to a clever delivery, edging to slip. This dismissal not only boosted Santner’s confidence but also tipped the scales in New Zealand’s favor. Santner followed this by deceiving Jaiswal into an outside edge, terminating the young batsman’s fruitful innings and shifting the dynamics of the game dramatically.
Jaiswal’s undoing was a crushing blow for India, especially since he had initially kept New Zealand’s potent spin attack at bay. To add salt to the wound, a run-out error involving Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli further plunged India into trouble. In a matter of moments, India spiraled from a solid position of 127/2 to a precarious 127/4, losing two pivotal batsmen capable of counteracting the left-arm spin. Despite trying to maintain a strategic left-right batting combination, India found itself on the back foot.
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Washington Sundar, promoted in the order to inject stability, was tasked with supporting from one end. However, he too fell victim to Santner’s relentless pursuit. Like a maestro in full control, Santner spun a web that ensnared Virat Kohli for a second time in this match, cut short Sarfaraz Khan’s contribution, and later dismissed Sundar, leaving India’s innings in disarray.
At the crease, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin endeavored to salvage some respectability, clinging on to avoid further collapse before tea was called with India at a vulnerable 178/7. Despite their resistance, the looming inevitability of New Zealand scripting a new chapter in the history of cricket in Pune became ever-present.
The pitch conditions in Pune have undoubtedly assisted the spinners, yet Santner has managed to extract extreme precision and turn, exploiting the track expertly. His ability to maintain a penetrating line and induce consistent mistakes has amplified the pressure on the Indian batsmen who seem unable to tackle his craftiness.
New Zealand’s resolve was further exemplified through their collective bowling efforts, successfully defending modest totals of 259 and 255. Contributions from Tom Latham (86 runs) and the bowling prowess of Washington Sundar (4-56) and Ravindra Jadeja (3-72) cannot be understated in creating a scenario where Santner could flourish.
Needing 181 runs to secure victory with only three wickets in hand, India faces a formidable challenge. Santner has not just been a bowler with the ball in hand; his presence on the field was pivotal as evidenced by his influence in the decisive run-out. With the odds stacked against them, India is desperately seeking a miracle to avoid the ignominy of a series defeat at home.
This inaugural ten-wicket haul in Tests is not just a personal milestone for Santner but also places New Zealand on the verge of an extraordinary triumph on Indian soil. As the match edges towards a conclusion, cricket fans around the world are left in anticipation, wondering if New Zealand can indeed shatter India’s formidable home record, all thanks to a match dominated by the remarkable prowess of Mitchell Santner.