National/ Sports desk
26 October
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
New Zealand has secured a historic victory against India, marking the first time in 12 years that India has lost a Test series on home soil. The win was sealed after New Zealand bowled out India by 113 runs in the second Test, taking an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Mitchell Santner’s impressive performance, claiming 13 wickets across the match, played a key role in New Zealand’s success.
India, chasing a target of 359 runs, faltered and was bowled out for 245 runs in their second innings. This loss signifies a rare defeat at home, last seen in the 2012-13 season when India fell 2-1 to England. In the opening Test, New Zealand triumphed by 8 wickets, achieving their first series win on Indian soil since the start of their Test rivalry in 1955-56. Santner’s notable 6-wicket haul for 104 runs during India’s second innings contributed significantly to the outcome.
This series victory highlights New Zealand’s progress in the Test format, especially on foreign grounds, and signals a shift in dominance that had long favored the Indian side on their home pitches.