In a stunning upset, New Zealand defeated India by 113 runs in Pune, marking the first time in history that New Zealand has won a Test series on Indian soil. The match concluded in just three days, a rarity that emphasizes New Zealand’s dominance throughout the contest.
In the first innings, New Zealand set a challenging target with a total of 259 runs. India struggled significantly, managing only 156 runs in reply. Starting their second innings with a 103-run lead, New Zealand added 255 runs, setting a daunting target of 359 for India to chase.
Despite a valiant effort, India fell short, scoring just 245 runs in their second innings. Mitchell Santner played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s victory, taking 13 wickets across both innings, showcasing exceptional bowling skills that dismantled the Indian batting lineup.
This defeat is particularly significant for India as it marks the first time they have lost a Test series at home since 2012. It is only the fourth time since 1990 that India has lost to a touring team in their own country, highlighting the rarity of such an occurrence. Historically, New Zealand has competed in Test matches in India since 1955, with today’s match being their 38th encounter. Prior to this series, New Zealand had only secured four Test victories in India, with their last wins occurring in 1969 and 1988.
Moreover, this defeat adds to India’s woes this year, as it marks their third home Test loss in 2024. This is the first time since 1983 that India has lost more than two Test matches at home in a single calendar year. The loss also ends India’s remarkable streak of 18 consecutive bilateral series wins on home soil, raising questions about the team’s performance and future strategies.
The implications of this defeat are significant for Indian cricket, as the team now faces scrutiny from fans and analysts alike. As New Zealand celebrates a historic victory, India will need to regroup and reassess its approach ahead of future matches, especially with upcoming tours and series on the horizon.
