New Zealand handed India a rare home Test series defeat, their first in 12 years, as India fell for 245 runs in a chase of 359 on Saturday, during the third day of the second Test. Mitchell Santner took six crucial wickets, ending with figures of 6-104 and a match total of 13, helping New Zealand clinch a historic 2-0 series win in India.
Named Man of the Match, Santner received strong support from spinner Ajaz Patel, who claimed the final two wickets, including Ravindra Jadeja for 42, sealing the 113-run victory. The defeat was a setback for India, who had earlier lost the first Test by eight wickets on a seamer-friendly Bengaluru pitch, marking India’s first home series loss since England’s 2-1 win in 2012.
India’s record of 18 straight home series wins since that loss was broken by a dominant New Zealand side now aiming for a clean sweep in the final Test in Mumbai on Friday.
“This is an incredibly special moment, and I’m so proud to be part of it,” said Tom Latham, New Zealand’s new permanent captain, who took over from Tim Southee after their 2-0 loss to Sri Lanka.
