New Zealand beats India: India suffers first home Test Series loss in 12 years as New Zealand secures 2-0 lead

PTC Web Desk:  In a significant upset, India has experienced its first home Test series loss in 12 years after New Zealand clinched an unassailable 2-0 lead, defeating the hosts by 113 runs at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Saturday. The last time India lost a Test series at home was back in 2012, when England triumphed 2-1 under the captaincy of Alastair Cook. In that series, India initially took the lead following the first Test, but England mounted a strong comeback, winning the next two matches, with the fourth ending in a draw.

India faced a challenging start in this series, losing the first match in Bengaluru by eight wickets. The team struggled significantly, being bowled out for a mere 46 runs in their first innings amid overcast conditions. New Zealand capitalised on this vulnerability, with a century from Rachin Ravindra and a late innings flourish from Tim Southee giving them a solid advantage. Despite commendable performances from Sarfaraz Khan, who scored his maiden century, and Rishabh Pant with a counter-attacking 99, India set a modest target of 107 runs, which New Zealand comfortably chased down.

The second Test in Pune followed a similar pattern. India was bowled out for 156 in their first innings, providing New Zealand a substantial 103-run lead. Skipper Tom Latham's composed 86 helped the visitors post 255 in their second innings, setting a daunting target of 359 runs for India. Although Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a brisk start and contributions came from the middle order, India ultimately fell short, marking a decisive series defeat.

Prior to this series loss, India had achieved an impressive record of 18 consecutive Test series victories at home, a streak that commenced with a whitewash of Australia in 2013.