Santner, Latham put New Zealand on verge of historic series win over India

PUNE: Tom Latham scored an anchoring half-century after Mitchell Santner dismantled the strong India batting unit to put New Zealand in a commanding position on the second day of the second Test here at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Friday.

At the Stumps on Day 2, New Zealand had accumulated 198/5 in their second innings, leading India by a massive 301 runs.

The New Zealand captain played an instrumental role in asserting dominance over the struggling hosts, courtesy of his gritty 86-run knock, featuring 10 boundaries.

Latham dominated the Indian bowlers until the in-form Washington Sundar managed to breach his defences and trapped him lbw to give India a bit of relief.

But Glenn Phillips batted sensibly alongside wicketkeeper batter Tom Blundell for an unbeaten 16-run stand for the sixth wicket to avoid any stir.

Sundar, who bagged seven wickets in the first innings, once again troubled New Zealand batters and made four scalps, registering his maiden 10-wicket match haul. He was supported by fellow spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who took one wicket.

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Earlier in the day, India resumed their first innings from 16/1 through youngsters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, who pushed their total to 50 until Mitchell Santner removed Gill on 30.

Santner then added further to the misery of the home side by claiming the prized scalp of Virat Kohli (1).

Phillips supported Santner by picking two quick wickets, dismissing Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant as India slipped further to 83/5.

Mitchell Santner then ran through India’s lower middle order and thus booked them on a meagre total to strengthen New Zealand’s command.

He returned sensational bowling figures of 7/53, followed by Phillips with two wickets, while Tim Southee made one scalp.

Remember, New Zealand lead the three-match series 1-0 as they stunned India by eight wickets in the opening match.

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