India’s remarkable 12-year unbeaten streak in home Test series is under serious threat as New Zealand built a commanding lead of 315 runs by the start of day three in the second Test. After their historic win in the first Test in Bengaluru, the Black Caps are now in a position to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
If New Zealand secures victory in Pune, it would mark the end of India’s impressive run of 18 consecutive home series wins, a streak that began in 2012 after England’s 2-1 series triumph under Alastair Cook.
India’s troubles deepened after being bowled out for 156 in response to New Zealand’s first-innings total of 259. Washington Sundar was India’s standout bowler, claiming 7-59 on day one, but New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner responded in kind, taking 7-56 as India crumbled.
With a first-innings lead of 103, New Zealand pushed further ahead in the second innings, finishing the day at 198-5. Captain Tom Latham top-scored with 86, and Tom Blundell remains unbeaten on 30. Glenn Phillips is also at the crease as New Zealand looks to extend their lead on day three.
Sundar continued to impress, taking 4-56 in New Zealand’s second innings, but India now faces a monumental challenge to avoid defeat. With New Zealand already in control, they will be looking to wrap up the series by bowling India out and ending their long-standing dominance on home soil.