New Zealand defeated India by 113 runs in the second Test of the ongoing three-match series at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune on Saturday, October 26. With this historic victory, the Kiwis claimed their first-ever Test series win in India, marking the first time they've won back-to-back Tests on Indian soil. The victory also ended India’s home Test series winning streak, which had remained unbroken since 2012.

New Zealand's impressive performance comes on the heels of their eight-wicket triumph in Bengaluru, giving them a 2-0 lead in the series. This accomplishment is particularly remarkable as it was achieved without the presence of their star batter, Kane Williamson.

Santner’s spin dominates as Jaiswal’s resistance falls short

All-rounder Mitchell Santner was the standout performer for New Zealand, taking an incredible 13 wickets across both innings. Santner wreaked havoc in India’s lineup, dismissing seven Indian batsmen for 53 runs in the first innings and six more in the second, delivering a match-winning performance on a spin-friendly track.

India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored in the second innings with an impressive 77 runs off 65 balls, showcasing resilience against New Zealand’s relentless bowling attack. However, Jaiswal’s efforts couldn’t prevent India from facing their second straight defeat in the series.

New Zealand's remarkable success in this Test series has halted India’s impressive unbeaten home run and signaled a turning point for the Kiwis, who came into this series after losing their previous four Test matches.

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India maintain Top spot in WTC points table despite series loss

Despite the back-to-back defeats, India remains in the No. 1 spot on the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table. However, to secure a place in the WTC final at Lord’s in June 2025, the Indian team will need to win four out of the six remaining matches in the current cycle.

The final Test of this series will take place at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from November 1 to 5. Following this, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team will head to Australia for a five-match Test series.

Well done, New Zealand, on winning the series on Indian soil! For Team India, there’s a lot to reflect on. Senior players need to step up and deliver in the ultimate format of the game. The next three months will be crucial for them.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 26, 2024

As an Indian fan: it's time we acknowledge that maybe New Zealand play cricket, really well.
These two defeats should not come as a surprise.
I accept you, New Zealand. You are great.

(now please stop)#INDvNZ

— Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) October 26, 2024

 

— jazbaat (@R_Vinod01) October 26, 2024

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) October 26, 2024

New Zealand haven't just won a Test series in India, they've beaten them by eight wickets and 113 runs, and done it all without Kane Williamson. Astonishing

— Ben Gardner (@Ben_Wisden) October 26, 2024

— Ahmad Haseeb (@iamAhmadhaseeb) October 26, 2024

Its almost impossible for Rohit Sharma and any Indian captain

to repeat what Virat Kohli had done for indian team and test cricket.

MISS YOU CAPTAIN KOHLI pic.twitter.com/UWBCWu4EjS

— Kevin (@imkevin149) October 26, 2024

Rohit Sharma as a captain in 2024

-First to win an ICC Tournament after 11 years
- First to lose a home test series after 12 years pic.twitter.com/zVO4E1RAyi

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) October 26, 2024

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) October 26, 2024

What goes wrong in his captaincy in this series?
(This question is only for those who are criticising Rohit Sharma for poor captaincy.)#INDvNZ #ViratKohli #RohitSharma #INDvsNZ #INDvsNZTEST #RishabhPant

— To Feel (@Feel_sci) October 26, 2024

Its almost impossible for Rohit Sharma and any Indian captain

to repeat what Virat Kohli had done for indian team and test cricket.

MISS YOU CAPTAIN KOHLI pic.twitter.com/UWBCWu4EjS

— Kevin (@imkevin149) October 26, 2024

This test series victory for New Zealand is bigger than winning the WTC trophy. Beating India at home ain't for everyone. pic.twitter.com/a8xI5zjEA3

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) October 26, 2024