In the ongoing second Test in Pune, New Zealand have established a solid position as they lead by 188 runs at Tea on Day 2. After a brief fightback from India’s bowlers, including Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin, the visitors have continued to accelerate their innings.
India, having been bowled out for just 156 in response to New Zealand's first innings total of 259, conceded a first-innings lead of 103 runs. Mitchell Santner was the standout performer for New Zealand, claiming remarkable figures of 7/53, while Glenn Phillips contributed with two wickets. The only wicket for India on Day 1 was Rohit Sharma, dismissed by Tim Southee for a duck.
On Day 2, India resumed batting at 16/1, but their middle order suffered a significant collapse. Shubman Gill, who started the day positively, fell to Santner for 30 runs after a promising partnership of 49 with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Virat Kohli quickly followed suit, bowled by Santner after failing to capitalize on a full toss. Rishabh Pant came in next but couldn't stabilize the innings; he was dismissed by Phillips right after the drinks break.
In New Zealand's first innings, early breakthroughs from Ashwin, who dismissed Tom Latham and Will Young, kept India hopeful. However, Devon Conway held firm with a well-constructed 76 runs, building vital partnerships with Rachin Ravindra, who scored 65. Sundar’s subsequent spell was decisive, as he took crucial wickets, dismantling New Zealand's batting lineup.
Reflecting on his performance, Sundar expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play, stating, "I focused on accuracy and hitting the right areas. It was an incredible feeling to contribute after being out of the first Test." He noted the pitch conditions, indicating it started spinning on Day one but settled later.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM DAY 2
- - New Zealand 85/2 at Tea, leading by 188 runs.
- - India all out for 156, conceding a first-innings lead of 103.
- - India 107/7 at Lunch, having lost five wickets for just 53 runs early in the session.
- - Notable dismissals include Virat Kohli (1) and Shubman Gill (30 off 72).
- - India resumed Day 2 at 16/1, trailing New Zealand by 243 runs.
- - Rohit Sharma dismissed for a nine-ball duck on Day 1.
- - Washington Sundar finished with impressive figures of 7/59 in New Zealand's first innings.
The match remains competitive, with New Zealand looking to capitalize on their lead as India seeks to regroup and build a defense in the upcoming sessions.
