New Zealand seized control against INDIA until the end of Day two in the second Test in Pune on Friday (October 25), reaching a sustainable lead of 301 runs with five wickets still in hand. Dominated by a strong performance from the New Zealand batting line-up and led by Mitchell Santner AND Tom Lathamthe visitors managed to contain India’s bowling attack for most of the day.
India’s efforts in the first Innings
India’s batting line-up faltered in their first innings, with the team managing just 156 runs in reply to New Zealand’s opening score of 259. The Indian top order failed to gain momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals. . Opener Rohit Sharma was fired for a duck and skipper Virat Kohli can only add a single run. Mitchell Santner made good use of the conditions, taking a remarkable seven wickets, which quickly dashed India’s hopes of a competitive total. Major contributions came from Yashasvi Jaiswal (30) and Ravindra Jadeja (38), but India’s middle and lower orders crumbled under the pressure.
Mitchell Santner’s game-changing spell
In India’s first innings, Santner’s bowling proved crucial, dismantling India’s seven-wicket batting line-up for just 53 runs in 19.3 overs. The left-arm spinner’s variations and control troubled the Indian batsmen, who struggled to find rhythm against him. Santner’s wickets included key players like Shubman GillKohli and Jadeja, whose dismissals played a major role in restricting India to just 156. Santner’s dominance with the ball gave New Zealand a decisive early lead, keeping India under pressure.
ALSO SEE: Washington Sundar cleans up Rachin Ravindra with a ripper on day 2 of Pune Test
Tom Latham anchors the New Zealand innings
Captain Tom Latham showed resilience and composure, leading the New Zealand second innings with a knock of 133 balls for 86 runs. After losing his opening partner Devon Conway early on, Latham anchored the innings and masterfully steered India’s heavy attack, notably handling Ravichandran Ashwin AND Washington Sundarit’s bowling. His 10 boundaries highlighted his disciplined stroke selection and allowed New Zealand to steadily build their lead. Latham’s innings was eventually cut short by Sundar, but his knock laid a solid foundation for New Zealand.
Effective bowling by Washington Sundar
Sundar was the standout bowler for India, taking four wickets in New Zealand’s second innings to limit their momentum. Sundar’s disciplined line and length created frequent challenges for New Zealand, especially dismissing Conway early. Sundar’s control over the line kept New Zealand’s run rate in check, giving India some respite despite New Zealand’s growing lead. His performance was a critical factor in stopping New Zealand’s batting and gave India hope going into the next day.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Latham playing the captain’s knock to become the first Kiwi captain ever to win a series in India
— Gappistan Radio (@whyteknight07) October 25, 2024
That was super magic, Santner! 👏🏽
But it is against us! 🥲 pic.twitter.com/zwgIQAc7Rx— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) October 25, 2024
Last month, Mitchell Santner played two Tests in Sri Lanka, also in Galle, and failed to take a wicket, finishing with figures of 1-197. Now, in India, he has taken 7-53 in a single innings. India’s batting is making Santner look like Herath. Rohit and co. it just can’t handle the rotation.
— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) October 25, 2024
Jadeja 28 overs and no wickets on a pitch where Washi has 11 Santner has 7 and even Phillips has 2, who is to blame him or Rohit? . #INDvsNZ
– John Wright (@johnwright15) October 25, 2024
India will have to do something extraordinary, something very special, to save this game. That’s a potentially game-winning lead. This proud record at home is under serious threat from a team of humble and intelligent cricketers.
– Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 25, 2024
“There’s a perception in modern-day cricket that Indians are great spinners. They’re not. Those days are gone. Now, they’re just like everybody else” – Simon Doull
I’ve been saying this for years #INDvNZ
— Shubh Aggarwal (@shubh_chintak) October 25, 2024
India play with the arrogance of a team that thinks it is vastly superior to its opposition but is unable to back it up with performance. The classic story of the tortoise versus the hare. Their overconfidence boggles the mind #INDvNZ
— Hemant (@hemantbuch) October 25, 2024
“None of India’s batsmen applied themselves. That’s worse than 46 all out” – Ian Smith #INDvNZ
— Shubh Aggarwal (@shubh_chintak) October 25, 2024
Difficult day for 🇮🇳#MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/BQ9PCKCmaK
– Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) October 25, 2024
This game and series has been nowhere near what most of us predicted or anticipated or boasted about. Too many humble pies to eat.#INDvNZ
— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) October 25, 2024
Try cricket people. Grind. You look ugly. Don’t play a big shot. Be there. Where is the quarrel! This is a bad shot. It is what it is. @RevSportzGlobal #INDvNZ
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) October 25, 2024
Day 2, logs
NZ: 198/5, lead by 301 runs 🏏#cricket #INDvsNZ #cricket #newzealand #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/IutQHINu1o
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 25, 2024
