New Zealand had finished things off in style well inside three days, as they won the two-match Test series convincingly against the No. 1-ranked Test side, India. India’s batsmen could not have an answer to how to face the Kiwis pacers whereas, the bowlers were still searching for the rhythm and correct line and lengths till the end of the day.
And, when speedster Jasprit Bumrah found the accuracy it was too late for India. Thus, the hosts won the second Test match thoroughly by seven wickets in Christchurch.
India failed to set up a partnership:
At Hagley Oval, Rishabh Pant and Hanuma Vihari resumed the innings following an overnight score of 90 for six. The fans were expecting a miracle from the duo as India was had a lead of 97 runs at stumps on day two. Though both of them could add only seven runs to India’s tally before losing their wickets.
Senior Black Caps’ paceman Tim Southee got rid of Vihari, who gave an easy catch to the gloveman BJ Watling. On the other hand, Trent Boult bowled a beauty to dismiss Pant. The wicketkeeper-batsman Pant got a faint edge off his bat and Watling pouched the ball. And, India were reduced to 97 for eight.
Thereon, the all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja tried to stable the innings with lower-order batsmen Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah but they both got dismissed eventually. Shami, who had hit a couple of maximums in the first innings, was sent back by Southee.
Moreover, Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson has affected a run out to dismiss Jasprit Bumrah. He tried to scamper for a run and was half-way mark but Jadeja disagreed to do so. Thus India were all out at 124.
New Zealand openers set up the game for them:
Tom Latham and Tom Blundell set up the partnership of 103 runs before Umesh Yadav sent back the former. The wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who had spilt the catch earlier, completed an amazing one-handed catch but it was too late for India. Latham was out after scoring 52 runs.
Bumrah had created many opportunities earlier but was unsuccessful to pick the wicket. Well, in the end, he got the wicket of Williamson. Ajinkya Rahane, at gully, took a catch of the Kiwis leader.
Another masterpiece by Bumrah, the ball passed between the pad and bat of Tom Blundell as off-stump was knocked out.
Although Blundell had done all the work for his team, scoring 55 runs. Ross Taylor and Henry Nicholls led the team to the comprehensive victory over India.
And in the end, the hosts clean-swept India with 2-0. With this victory, New Zealand gained 120 points in the ICC World Test Championship 2019-20 and have reached the third spot on the points table with 180 points.
India’s second innings:
New Zealand’s second innings:
