India suffered its first home Test series loss in 12 years after New Zealand took an unassailable 2-0 lead, defeating the host by 113 runs on Saturday at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The last time India lost a Test series at home was in 2012, when England, under the leadership of Alastair Cook, won 2-1. In that four-match series, India had taken the lead after the first Test, but England came back strong, winning the next two matches. The fourth match ended in a draw.
In this series, India lost the first match in Bengaluru by eight wickets. After being bowled out for a paltry 46 in the first innings under overcast conditions, India was already under pressure. New Zealand capitalised on the situation, with a century from Rachin Ravindra and a late cameo from Tim Southee, helping the visitor gain the upper hand. Despite Sarfaraz Khan’s maiden century and Rishabh Pant’s counter-attacking 99, India could only set a modest target of 107, which New Zealand chased down comfortably.
A similar pattern unfolded in Pune. India was bowled out for 156 in its first innings, giving New Zealand a commanding 103-run lead. Skipper Tom Latham’s composed 86 helped New Zealand post 255 in its second innings, setting India a formidable target of 359 runs. Although Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a brisk start, and the middle order chipped in with contributions, India ultimately fell short, sealing their series defeat.
Brief scores: New Zealand: 259 and 255 all out in 69.4 overs (Tom Latham 86, Glennn Phillips 48, Tom Blundell 41) vs India: 156 and 245 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 77, Ravindra Jadeja 42; Mitchell Santner 6/104).