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New Zealand is in the driving seat as the second test match between India vs New Zealand 2nd Test heads for another dramatic turn. The visitors had a lead of 179 runs till 2 PM in the second innings as India’s fabled home advantage began slipping, just like the opening test, which New Zealand managed to win hands down.
First, a defeat in India, then this erratic performance puts them on the cusp of a rare home series loss, the first since 2012. So much will be at stake – the unbeaten streak taken into account- India’s bowlers need to pull off something extraordinary to keep the dream of a home series alive.
This was somewhat cushioned by India in the form of Washington Sundar’s outstanding bowling. The history was already created by the off-spinner in the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium which became the first time the bowler took 7 wickets in an innings. His every ball in the first innings worked so perfectly that he ravished the Kiwi batting to such an extent that they managed only 259 runs against New Zealand
The bowling of Sundar brought some hope for India, and his performance has marked him as the ‘Hero of the Match’ so far. His achievement isn’t just personal glory but an inspiring record for future players to come into the team. Aggressive and tactical, often mixing subtle variations in speed and spin, Sundar was a force to reckon with as he claimed each of his seven wickets. His contribution made sure that India did not have the game taken away from them with the minimal damage caused by New Zealand’s top-order batsmen.
But unfortunately, the India batting line-up failed to complement the efforts of Sundar. None of the Indian batsmen capitalized on the incision of Sundar as a paltry total of 156 runs in the first innings put them behind in the game. A line-up filled with experienced batters and a lot of talent came short as the disciplined bowling attack of New Zealand dominated them. The deficit of runs gave New Zealand a crucial lead of 103 runs, adding more pressure on India.
With a firm lead in hand, New Zealand’s openers stepped up in their second innings, sending an exactingly strong statement of intent as they reached 76 runs sans loss at 2 PM on day two. A modest start, but now their lead has stretched to 179 runs giving them a strong hold on the match. It’s now over to the Indian bowlers, including Sundar, to try and halt the Kiwis’ momentum, which is slowly gathering shape. India can hope for a fight only if they can break into the Kiwi batting order and get the target down to a reasonable level in their second innings.
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India had an entirely flawless record of winning home test series for almost a decade. India has not dropped a Test series from home since the year 2012 thus illustrating the dominance of the team while playing at home. Leading this two-match series, though, and with their backs against the wall, that streak is highly vulnerable this time around. The resilience of New Zealand, combined with the planning, has helped to expose the weaknesses within India’s game, something that has sincerely made their side, for the first time in many years, very liable to lose a home series.
The consistency of New Zealand in the first test and this advantage in the second test has sent the Indian camp off guard. A challenge like this heightens the eagerness of fans and critics to the next course of action the Indians will take. The chances of losing this series beg questions such as what changes might be expected in India’s batting order and bowling strategies in times to come.
Despite this advantage, India’s bowlers have conventionally risen to challenges. Players like Sundar, who has already shown his mettle, India could hope for a comeback. To send New Zealand’s side early, India needs to bowl aggressively and field solidly. The next day of play will be critical in determining whether India can conjure a win from the game or the series slip totally out of their hands.
For India, the immediate task at hand will be to keep New Zealand’s scoring at a minimum in the second innings. A chasable target, ideally under 200, would keep India in the game. The Indian batsmen also have to come prepared to do the job in case an opportunity to strike back presents itself. For now, the batsmen of the team have to rally around and do collectively to prevent another collapsible collapse. The next few hours would be crucial in determining the outcome of this series and for retaining India’s record for a long time.
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Q: Who is the Star of the second test Match so Far?
A: Washington Sundar who took seven wickets in New Zealand vs India second test match is the hero of the match.
Q: What is New Zealand’s Lead till 2 PM in the second test?
A: Zealand leads by 179 runs on the second day itself at 1:30 PM with 1 wicket of loss.
Q: Has India lost any home test series recently?
A: No, India has never been defeated at home in any test series since 2012. But this record is threatened by New Zealand in the current series.
Q: What are the chances for India’s win in the second test match?
A: While a bit far-fetched, India’s bowlers have to try and restrict New Zealand’s progress as quickly as possible if their batters are to chase a reasonable target. The result could very well be decided in the next few hours of play.
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