NEW DELHI: Mitchell Santner’s brilliant bowling display powered New Zealand to a historic 113-run victory over India in the second Test on Saturday, clinching their first-ever Test series win on Indian soil.
The Kiwis bowled India out for 245 on the third day in Pune as the hosts fell short of their 359-run target, giving New Zealand an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. This marks India’s first home Test series defeat since England’s 2-1 victory in December 2012, under the leadership of Alastair Cook.
Santner’s match-winning spell of 7-53 in India’s first innings, which restricted them to 156, set the tone for New Zealand’s remarkable triumph.
The left-arm spinner continued to trouble the Indian lineup in the second innings, exploiting the turning pitch to claim six more wickets.
This win is a milestone for New Zealand cricket, as they had never previously won a Test series in India since their first tour in 1955.
Following India’s struggles against spin, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan shared key advice for the Indian batters on handling spin.
On Instagram stories, Irfan suggested, “If you want to improve in playing spin, put a bit less emphasis on side-arm practice.”
New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the series after an eight-wicket win in the first Test in Bengaluru.
India and New Zealand will now head to Mumbai for the third and final Test, beginning November 1, at the Wankhede Stadium.
