New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner was the pick of the lot on the second day of the second Test, giving career-best bowling figures of 7-53 to send India all out for just 156 runs at the MCA Stadium. It was an outstanding spell that gave New Zealand a solid lead of 103 runs in a match where spin, precision, and patience made all the difference.
After India’s Washington Sundar mowed through New Zealand’s batting lineup on Day One, it was Santner’s turn to retaliate. The 31-year-old spinner skillfully varied his line, length, and pace to constantly challenge the Indian batters. His expert use of flight, dip, and spin left him nearly unplayable-a scenario which resulted in his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests. His dominance was further boosted by Glenn Phillips, who grabbed 2-26, adding pressure on a crumbling Indian lineup.
India’s Struggle: The Final Collapse of Batting
India’s attack started auspiciously with Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal manufacturing a 49-run partnership from the second wicket. But Santner soon wrecked this rhythm with his precision bowling. Gill was the first one to get left behind, trapped lbw by Santner, and thereafter the Indian innings never picked up the same momentum again. Virat Kohli of India, the star for long time, was bowled out by low full toss from the Santner, while the crowd was still in disbelief. Kohli’s reaction on losing wicket was only of a numb shock as it was for fans of India while the chance for India faded.
Part-time spinner Glenn Phillips struck in his first over, sending Jaiswal back to the pavilion with a simple catch to first slip. Rishabh Pant tried to counterattack but fell to an ill-judged pull shot, bowled by Phillips. Sarfaraz Khan, looking to hit Santner inside-out, played down a turning ball, gifting his wicket to mid-off.
Jadeja’s Fightback and Santner’s Prowess
While Indian line-up was faltering, Ravindra Jadeja brought some quick fire for himself, hitting 38, with his trademark aggressiveness. He hit two sixes off Ajaz Patel to make some challenging noise for New Zealand’s bowlers. But there was the last laugh for Santner when he caught Jadeja LBW in a quicker ball clipped leg stump. His departure did turn the table for New Zealand and wrapped it solidly in the commanding position.
Santner continued the relentless spell, sending back Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah to complete India’s innings. He took his team off as cheering and applause were heard, along with one of the most magical spells in his career with figures of 7-53.
New Zealand Hopes to Make History, India Faces Stiff Challenge
New Zealand’s lead of 103 runs is a commanding advantage, mainly when India is most likely to bat last on a pitch that increasingly favors the spinners. Historically, India has dominated here at home since not losing a Test series here since 2012. However, they are now in the real possibility of their first home series loss unless they could somehow produce something exceptional in the next inning.
The New Zealand players have maintained a very tight performance in this match and have not given too much room for error on the part of the Indians. Indian batsmen look to regain their form very quickly to save the game, whereas the magical Santner has led New Zealand comfortably close to creating history with their collective effort.
Conclusion
Mitchell Santner’s career-defining performance has taken the momentum entirely into the hands of New Zealand now. As India prepares for a challenging comeback, the match unfolds to bring forth critical vital roles of spin and strategic discipline on subcontinent pitches. New Zealand bowlers could make this strong lineup of India stumble which restores confidence among them that they can win this series back, telling everyone again that smart, skillful cricket can triumph over any opposition whatsoever.
Read More News Here: https://behindthecurtain.blog/pakistan-in-trouble-at-187-7-trails-england-by-80-runs-in-rawalpindi-test/
