New Zealand seized control against India by the end of Day 2 in the second Test at Pune on Friday (October 25), achieving a solid lead of 301 runs with five wickets still in hand. Dominated by a strong performance from the New Zealand batting lineup and spearheaded by Mitchell Santner and Tom Latham, the visitors managed to keep India’s bowling attack at bay for most of the day.

India’s struggles in the first Innings

India’s batting lineup faltered in their first innings, with the team managing only 156 runs in response to New Zealand’s initial score of 259. The Indian top order failed to gain momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals. Opener Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck, and skipper Virat Kohli could only add a single run. Mitchell Santner exploited the conditions well, taking a remarkable seven wickets, which quickly dismantled India’s hopes of a competitive total. Key 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 pivotal, dismantling India’s batting lineup with seven wickets for just 53 runs across 19.3 overs. The left-arm spinner’s variations and control troubled Indian batters, who struggled to find rhythm against him. Santner’s wickets included key players like Shubman Gill, Kohli and Jadeja, whose dismissals played a major role in limiting India to a mere 156. Santner’s dominance with the ball handed New Zealand a crucial first-innings lead, keeping India under pressure.

Also WATCH: Washington Sundar cleans up Rachin Ravindra with a ripper on Day 2 of Pune Test

Tom Latham anchors New Zealand’s innings

Captain Tom Latham showcased resilience and composure, leading New Zealand’s second innings with an 86-run knock off 133 balls. After losing his opening partner Devon Conway early, Latham anchored the innings and skillfully navigated India’s spin-heavy attack, particularly handling Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar‘s bowling. His 10 boundaries highlighted his disciplined shot selection and allowed New Zealand to steadily build on their lead. Latham’s innings was eventually cut short by Sundar, but his knock laid a strong foundation for New Zealand.

Washington Sundar’s effective bowling

Sundar was the standout bowler for India, picking up four wickets in New Zealand’s second innings to restrict their momentum. Sundar’s disciplined line and length created frequent challenges for New Zealand, notably dismissing Conway early. Sundar’s control over the line kept New Zealand’s run rate in check, providing India some reprieve despite New Zealand’s growing lead. His performance was a critical factor in containing New Zealand’s batters and offered India hope heading into the next day.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Latham playing a captain’s knock to become the first Kiwi Captain to ever win a series in India

— Gappistan Radio (@whyteknight07) October 25, 2024

That was one super spell, Santner! 👏🏽
But it’s against us! 🥲 pic.twitter.com/zwgIQAc7Rx

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) October 25, 2024

Last month, Mitchell Santner played two Tests in Sri Lanka, that too in Galle, and couldn’t buy a wicket, ending with figures of 1-197. Now, in India, he’s taken 7-53 in a single innings. India’s batters are making Santner look like Herath. Rohit and co. just can’t handle spin.

— 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 salvage this game. This is a potentially match-winning lead. That proud home record is under serious threat from a team of unassuming, smart cricketers.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 25, 2024

“There is a perception in modern-day cricket that Indians are great batters of spin. They are not. Those days are gone. Now, they are the same as everyone else” – Simon Doull

I have been saying this for years now #INDvNZ

— Shubh Aggarwal (@shubh_chintak) October 25, 2024

India playing with the arrogance of a team that thinks it is far superior to its opponent, but is unable to back it up with performance. Classic tortoise versus hare storyline. Their overconfidence boggles the mind #INDvNZ

— Hemant (@hemantbuch) October 25, 2024

“No India batter has applied himself. This is worse than 46 all out” – Ian Smith #INDvNZ

— Shubh Aggarwal (@shubh_chintak) October 25, 2024

Tough day for 🇮🇳#MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/BQ9PCKCmaK

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) October 25, 2024

This game and series has been nowhere near most of us had predicted or anticipated or boasted about. Plenty of humble pies to eat.#INDvNZ

— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) October 25, 2024

Test cricket folks. Grind. Look ugly. Don’t play a big shot. Be there. Where is the grind! This is bad batting. That’s what it is. @RevSportzGlobal #INDvNZ

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) October 25, 2024

Day 2, Stumps

NZ: 198/5, lead by 301 runs 🏏#cricket #INDvsNZ #newzealandcricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/IutQHINu1o

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 25, 2024

Also WATCH: IND vs NZ – Washington Sundar’s spin wizardry to dismiss Devon Conway on Day 2 of the second Test

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.