India needs 359 runs to win the second Test after bowling out New Zealand for 255 in their second innings at the MCA Stadium on Saturday. New Zealand, starting the day with a 301-run lead, added 57 runs before their innings ended in the first hour of day three.
Ravindra Jadeja took three quick wickets and contributed with a run-out, while Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar also took key wickets. Sundar ended New Zealand’s innings with four wickets in the second innings.
During New Zealand’s innings, Glenn Phillips attempted a double to retain strike but was run out by Jadeja, concluding New Zealand’s innings at 255 and setting India a target of 359 runs to level the series.
Watch: Jadeja’s lightning reflexes spark an impossible run-out!
India had earlier been bowled out for 156 in their first innings, giving New Zealand a lead of 103 runs on a turning pitch in Pune.
New Zealand, leading the three-match series 1-0, were 85-2 at tea in their second innings. Washington Sundar trapped Devon Conway lbw for 17, and Ravichandran Ashwin got Will Young out for 23.
Spin bowler Mitchell Santner played a vital role for New Zealand with his first five-wicket haul in Tests, helping them bowl India out in 45.3 overs. Ravindra Jadeja was the top scorer for India with 38 runs.
India’s batting struggled with early wickets. Santner trapped Shubman Gill lbw for 30 and then bowled Virat Kohli, further putting pressure on the hosts. Spinner Glenn Phillips also took key wickets, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal for 30 and Rishabh Pant for 18.
Washington Sundar returned to the Test team, taking 7-59 on Thursday in New Zealand’s first innings, which saw notable contributions from Devon Conway (76) and Rachin Ravindra (65).
New Zealand’s recent win is their first Test victory on Indian soil since 1988.