Last Updated on October 26, 2024 by Prabhukalyan Dhal
The India vs New Zealand Test series witnessed a dramatic conclusion as New Zealand defeated India by 113 runs on the third day of the second Test. This historic win marked New Zealand’s first series victory on Indian soil, breaking India’s streak of 18 consecutive bilateral series wins at home. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Day 3 highlights, key performances, and the crucial moments that led to New Zealand’s triumph.
India vs New Zealand: Day 3 Match Summary
On the final day of the 2nd Test, held on 26th October 2024 at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, New Zealand showcased superior bowling, with left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner leading the charge. India, chasing a daunting target of 359 runs, succumbed to New Zealand’s disciplined attack, eventually being bowled out for 245. Santner’s phenomenal match figures of 13/157 were pivotal in dismantling India’s batting lineup, ensuring a memorable victory for New Zealand.
Highlights: New Zealand’s Bowling Masterclass
New Zealand’s bowling attack dominated the Indian batting order right from the start, setting the tone early on Day 3.
- Early Wickets: New Zealand’s bowlers struck early, removing Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. Jaiswal showed some resistance with his quick 45 but was unable to convert it into a match-saving knock.
- Mitchell Santner’s Spin Attack: Santner was relentless, claiming crucial middle-order wickets and breaking any momentum India tried to build. His consistency and control over spin made it difficult for the Indian batters to settle, eventually earning him the Player of the Match title.
India vs New Zealand Live Score and Performance Analysis
Fans following the India vs New Zealand live score witnessed India struggling to keep pace with the required run rate, as wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Despite some attempts from India’s middle-order batters, New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly Santner, ensured there were no partnerships that could threaten their lead.
- Key Performances: Mitchell Santner’s match-winning 13-wicket haul marked the third-best bowling figures by a visiting player in India, underscoring his impact on the game.
- India’s Batting Struggles: Captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and other mainstays of the Indian lineup couldn’t withstand New Zealand’s tactical bowling. The pressure of the chase coupled with the pitch conditions contributed to India’s collapse.
Key Turning Points in the India vs New Zealand Today Match
Several key moments defined the India vs New Zealand clash on Day 3:
- Early Breakthroughs by New Zealand: The Indian openers’ early dismissals put India in a precarious position, destabilizing the team and setting New Zealand up for a controlled defense.
- Santner’s Game-Changing Spell: Santner’s remarkable spell in the middle overs destroyed any chances of a comeback, with his accuracy and variation in pace leaving India’s batters with few options.
- India’s Middle-Order Collapse: Without any strong partnerships to challenge New Zealand’s score, India’s middle order succumbed to New Zealand’s calculated field placements and disciplined bowling.
Post-Match Reactions: What the Captains Said
The captains expressed contrasting sentiments following this memorable India vs New Zealand match.
- New Zealand Captain Tom Latham: Latham praised his team’s efforts, highlighting Santner’s exceptional performance. He acknowledged the team’s focus on playing the “long game” and adapting to the varied pitch conditions, which he felt were key to securing this historic win.
- India Captain Rohit Sharma: Rohit admitted disappointment over the loss and highlighted missed opportunities. He noted that India’s batting unit struggled to capitalize on critical moments, which contributed to the team’s defeat.
For more in-depth analysis and live updates on the India vs New Zealand series, check out ESPN Cricinfo.
India vs New Zealand Cricket Series: A Historic Win for New Zealand
This victory brought an end to India’s impressive 18-series home winning streak, a record in bilateral Test series. New Zealand joined the ranks of teams like Australia, England, and South Africa, becoming one of the few teams to win a Test series in India.
For fans looking to relive the India vs New Zealand highlights, the entire match recap, scorecard, and analysis are available on platforms like Jiocinema, Cricbuzz, and ESPN Cricinfo. As New Zealand celebrates this historic achievement, the world of cricket is already looking forward to the next showdown between these two powerhouses.
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