India vs. New Zealand 2nd Test, Day 2: Rohit Sharma’s team had a challenging afternoon on Friday, and the Kiwis won all three sessions. For more, see below.
Day 2 of the 2nd Test match between India and New Zealand is a forgettable afternoon for India, as the Kiwis lead the hosts by more than 300 points in the series-decider at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.
At the end of Day 2’s play, New Zealand is 198/5 after 53 overs. On Day 3, they will carry this overnight total and lead of 301. However, aside from Washington Sundar, no other bowler was able to do much to cause the Kiwi hitters any trouble, so India gave more than just a mediocre showing with the ball.
Given that the surface is not improving and that Indian hitters have recently struggled with form and consistency in red-ball cricket, India’s chances of winning the Test match are extremely slim and could become much more unlikely if New Zealand manages to take a lead of 400 or more.
Day 2 of the Second Test between India and New Zealand | As It Happened
With an overnight score of 16/1 after 11 overs, Indian batsmen came to the crease in the morning session. It was up to Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal to give the hosts a strong start.
The pair only contributed 34 runs to their overnight total after Shubman Gill was dismissed by Mitchell Santner. Virat Kohli, who is still in bad form in all forms, came next.
Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant, the heroes of the previous game, were expected to perform well, but they were unable to support the Indian squad and left for 18 and 11, respectively.
The hosts reached the 150-run mark thanks to a comeback from Ravindra Jadeja, but Mitchell Santner was too strong, hitting his career-high 7/53 to dismiss India for 156.
With his outstanding 86, Tom Latham led his team from the bat and gave the Kiwis a lead of 300+. New Zealand finished the day at 198/5.