We are onto the 3rd day of 2nd Test at Pune, India is tangled in a situation no one expected. The hosts are asked to chase 359 runs in the final innings of the match and to stay alive in the series. New Zealand bowled out India for just 156 runs in first innings, taking the lead of 103. Kiwi batters added another 255 to their combined lead of 358 runs.
Indian batters had no clue against NZ spinner Mitchell Santner in first innings, coupled with some reckless shots pushed India into this precarious situation. Losing first test damaged India’s WTC final hunt and a loss here at Pune will worsen the situation. Batters failed to capitalize on the opportunities. Its the bowlers who challenged Kiwis until now.
Nz’s second innings followed a similar pattern to their first innings. A couple of small partnerships failing to register big, and then losing it all within a session. They were 5 wickets down at the start of day’s play, and lost 5 wickets in the morning itself. Spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar took 2,3 and 4 wickets respectively. Captain Tom Latham led the charge with his gritty 86, Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips contributed 41 and 48 respectively.
Sundar dismantles New Zealand’s middle order
Now that NZ innings in this match are over, the baton is passed to the batters. Poor display of batting is why India is trailing by such mammoth of a margin. Top guns- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been below average in this series.
India stands at 81-1 after 12 overs at the lunch break. Yashasvi Jaiswal 46(36) and Shubhman Gill 22(20) are at the crease. Rohit Sharma had yet another failure, getting caught in Santner’s spin web at just 8. India still has a long way despite its aggressive start. With 9 wickets and 8 session still remaining, there is nothing to hurry about. It should be matter of time if played cautiously. Players like Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan will have a big responsibility. Kohli being the most important one, needs to overcome his weakness against spinners.
WTC Final Scenario
If India loses this match, they cannot afford another defeat in remaining matches or else it will have to rely on results of other contenders. India slipped from favourites for 3rd consecutive time to the verge of getting knocked out in a matter of 2 matches. India can only afford a maximum of one draw and win five games to finish on a PCT of 71.05. If India wins remaining 6 games, which includes the upcoming BGT tour, it can accumulate 170 points at a commanding 74.56 PCT. Though it is very unlikely. A minimum of 2 wins with 4 draw will put them in mathematical chance relying on results of others.
India has been unbeaten on its home soil in Test for nearly a decade now. New Zealand has nearly breached the fortress here. This match is in a delicate position. Team like India knows to perform under pressure, but recent form of its batters are the biggest challenge, and the NZ spinners on this pitch of course. New Zealand is on the verge of scripting history in India.
(Input from the agencies)
