New Delhi: New Zealand created history in Pune as they hammered India by 113 runs in the 2nd Test to bag their second win on the trot and clinch the three-match series with an unassailable 2-0 lead. Tom Latham-led Kiwis ended India’s long-standing dominance in Tests at home to bag their first-ever Test series victory on Indian soil. With the series victory, New Zealand brought an end to India’s unbeaten run in 18 consecutive Test series at home.
Asked to chase down a tricky target of 359 runs in their second innings, Indian batters once again failed to turn up as the New Zealand spinners dominated the proceedings in Pune. Mitchell Santner picked up his second consecutive fifer in India’s second innings to bundle out the hosts for 245 runs in their run-chase and secure a thumping victory for New Zealand.
Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored for India with a brilliant 77 to give the hosts a good start in their chase, however, the likes of skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan all failed to deliver. Ravindra Jadeja kept India in the game with a fighting 42 but his efforts were not enough as the hosts eventually succumbed to an embarrassing defeat.
Updated WTC standings:
Despite the defeat, India continue to remain at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table with a win percentage of 62.82. However, the defeat has come as a huge blow to Rohit & Co.’s chances of qualifying for the final of the competition. India have so far won 8, lost 4 and drawn 1 out of 13 matches in the ongoing WTC cycle.
What India need to qualify for WTC final?
India’s dream of qualifying for a third straight WTC final is not over despite their two consecutive defeats against New Zealand in the ongoing series. However, their back-to-back defeats has made the task difficult for Rohit & Co., who need to win at least 4 matches in the remainder of the WTC 2023-25 cycle to assure themselves of a spot in the final.
India have six Test matches remaining in the ongoing WTC cycle – the 3rd Test and final Test against New Zealand which will be followed by the five-match Test series against Australia Down Under. India will have to win at least 4 of those six matches to be assured of a spot in the WTC 2023-25 final. India will have to beat New Zealand in the final 3rd Test and win at least 3 of the 5 Test matches in Australia to qualify.
If India manage to win only three Test matches from their remaining six games, they will finish with a PCT of over 60. However, that will not guarantee them a spot in the final of the competition with the likes of Australia, Sri Lanka and South Africa competing for a spot in the top two.
New Zealand scripted history as they clinched their first-ever Test series victory in India after thrashing the hosts by 113 runs in the 2nd Test in Pune. New Zealand ended India’s unbeaten streak of 18 Test series at home and derailed their chances of making it to the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
