New Zealand Ends India’s 12-Year Home Dominance with a Historic Series Win
India’s unparalleled home streak of 18 consecutive series wins in Test cricket, the longest-ever in history, came to an abrupt end on Saturday. In an astounding feat, New Zealand clinched a historic 100-run win in Pune, claiming their first-ever Test series victory on Indian soil since their debut tour in 1955. Here’s a look at how Mitchell Santner led the charge, breaking India’s 12-year fortress with a game-changing performance.
Santner’s Masterclass in Pune
New Zealand’s victory in Pune was driven by a sensational all-around performance from Mitchell Santner, who wreaked havoc with a five-wicket haul in both innings. Santner’s bowling dismantled India’s line-up, marking his best figures in First-Class cricket. His left-arm spin claimed crucial Indian wickets across the Test, including those of prominent batsmen like Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill, leaving India with little chance to recover.
Santner's ability to take wickets at critical moments meant that India, despite a promising start in the second innings, lost momentum quickly. After an inspired knock of 77 by Yashasvi Jaiswal, Santner and New Zealand's bowling unit tightened their grip on the game, ultimately sealing India’s fate in the second session.
India’s Battle for Survival Falls Short
Despite a hopeful partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, who pushed India to 86/1 at lunch, the hosts couldn’t withstand Santner’s spin attack. In a moment of missed judgment, Rishabh Pant was run out, while Virat Kohli succumbed to Santner for the second time in the match. Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s ace spinner, couldn’t add much with the bat, and Ravindra Jadeja’s gritty 42 wasn’t enough to change the game’s outcome. As India crumbled, New Zealand celebrated an emphatic victory, ending India’s 18-series home dominance.
A Record-Breaking Streak Ends
India’s 18-series home win streak began in 2013 with a victory over Australia. Over the past 12 years, India has defended its home soil against some of the strongest Test teams, including England, South Africa, and Australia. This streak was unparalleled, with Australia’s 10-series home winning streak in the ‘90s being the closest comparison. India’s unbeatable record, however, was no match for a determined New Zealand side that executed a calculated strategy in Pune.
New Zealand’s First Test Series Win in India
New Zealand’s tour to India had seen low expectations, especially following their whitewash in Sri Lanka. Seen as a “warm-up” series for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series in Australia, New Zealand turned the narrative upside down, stunning fans and analysts alike. Their win in the second Test came after they claimed victory in the rain-interrupted first Test in Bengaluru, marking their first Test win in India in 36 years and only their third overall since 1955.
Looking Ahead: The Final Test in Mumbai
With the series already in New Zealand’s pocket, India now faces a chance to redeem themselves in the third and final Test, set to begin at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 1. While the series outcome has been decided, India will look to avoid a 3-0 whitewash, an unusual scenario for the hosts, who have traditionally been unbeatable on their home grounds.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s historic series win has brought a surprising twist to India’s fortress-like dominance in home Test matches. Mitchell Santner’s remarkable bowling display and New Zealand’s resilience have broken a 12-year winning streak, rewriting history for both teams. As both sides prepare for the final Test, fans will be eager to see if India can bounce back or if New Zealand will continue their winning run.
Reference from :- https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/india-18-series-home-streak-snapped-as-mitchell-santner-runs-riot-in-new-zealands-historic-first-in-70-years-101729929881647.html