Ind vs NZ : India’s three-match test series with New Zealand is still going on but Indian team has already won it as they thrashed guest team in the second test match. India pulled off a brilliant performance as they defeated New Zealand by 178 runs and took a 2-0 lead which led them to climb up to the top of the ICC Test rankings.
On Monday, Kolkata saw an amazing wrap of the second test match as Virat Kohli’s men not only acquired victory over New Zealand but also dethroned Pakistan from the top of ICC test team rankings.
After setting a target of 376 runs for New Zealand on Sunday, the host team made New Zealand flounder on the ground. The visitors did start off well but post-tea session the chase became almost impossible.
The Black Caps were bowled out for 197 runs in 81.1 overs on the fourth day, earlier they finished their innings for 263 runs in 76.5 overs.
Indian batsman Rohit Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha played an impressive knock on Sunday as they made 82 and 58 runs respectively. India posted an easy target of 376 runs which led New Zealand to a confident start but things went downhill in the final session and they lost their chance to win.
Opener Tom Latham and Martin Guptill started off strongly but Guptill was dismissed early at 24, where Latham top-scored for the team as he managed 74 runs in 148 balls. His innings gave New Zealand high hopes but spinner Ravichandran Ashwin put a stop to all of them eventually as he dismissed Latham in the second over after tea break.
Luke Ronchi posted 32 runs in 60 balls but rest of the batting line failed to play steadily and both Indian spinners and pacers exploited the Black Caps’ line.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were the top Indian wicket- takers as they smashed 3 wickets each. Indian pacer Mohammed Shami also grabbed 3 wickets and displayed a sheer bowling performance.
The man of the match title was awarded to Wriddhiman Saha for his thrilling performances unbeaten 54* and 58* in both innings.
Both India and New Zealand will now face each other in Indore for the third test match starting October 8.
3 Oct 2016
Avni S. Singh