India Suffers First Home Series Defeat in 12 Years, New Zealand Triumphs

In a historic setback, India faced their first home series defeat in 12 years, losing 2-0 to New Zealand after a dramatic collapse on the third day of the second test on Saturday. Chasing a daunting target of 359, India was bowled out for 245, handing New Zealand a comprehensive victory.

The hosts struggled to maintain momentum throughout their chase, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Mitchell Santner was the standout performer for New Zealand, taking six crucial wickets to dismantle the Indian batting lineup. His accurate and disciplined bowling left the Indian batsmen searching for answers, leading to a series of dismissals that dashed the home team’s hopes of a comeback.

India’s chase started on a promising note, but early breakthroughs by New Zealand’s seamers quickly shifted the momentum. Middle-order batsmen offered some resistance, but Santner’s left-arm spin proved to be the game-changer, breaking partnerships and keeping the pressure on. His dismissals included key players, ensuring that India never fully recovered.

This defeat marks the first time India has lost a home test series since 2012, ending a dominant streak over the past decade. New Zealand’s disciplined bowling and strategic gameplay throughout the series were key factors in their victory. The 2-0 series win is a significant achievement for the New Zealand cricket team, reinforcing their reputation as a strong force in international cricket.

For India, the loss raises questions about the team’s recent performance and resilience, especially in home conditions where they have traditionally excelled.