New Zealand Secures First Test Series Win in India

New Zealand clinched a historic first Test series victory in India, ending the hosts’ 12-year unbeaten home streak with a 113-run win in the second Test in Pune. This landmark result gave the Black Caps an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, breaking India’s remarkable run of 18 consecutive home series wins that had persisted since Alastair Cook’s England triumphed 2-1 in December 2012.

India set a target of 359 after New Zealand’s second innings score of 255, started positively with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring a brisk 77. However, Mitchell Santner’s exceptional left-arm spin soon stifled India’s chase. Santner, who had already claimed seven wickets in the first innings, finished with a career-best 6-104 in the second, giving him a remarkable 13 wickets in the match and guiding New Zealand to victory.

Despite a promising start, India’s batting lineup crumbled after the quick dismissals of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Jaiswal, all claimed by Santner. The spinner further dismantled the Indian batting order, taking the critical wicket of Virat Kohli as India collapsed to 147-5. Rishabh Pant was run out by Santner while all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja showed resistance with a gritty 42.

Jadeja’s dismissal as the final wicket left India all out for 245 in the evening session. Santner reflected on his performance, noting how each wicket bolstered his confidence. Indian captain Rohit Sharma admitted the loss was a “collective failure,” with the team unable to rise to the challenge set by New Zealand’s spin-heavy attack.

New Zealand’s emphatic victory not only ended India’s dominant home streak but also underscored their prowess in subcontinental conditions, marking a monumental achievement for the Black Caps.