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The second day of the Test match between India and New Zealand saw a dramatic shift in momentum, with New Zealand firmly seizing control and leaving India with a mountain to climb in their pursuit of a series win. The first session witnessed an incredible display of bowling brilliance from the Kiwi bowlers, particularly Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips, who orchestrated a collapse of the Indian batting order, leaving them reeling at 107 for 7 at lunch, still trailing by a daunting 152 runs.
From the outset, the pitch exhibited a distinct turn, making life difficult for the Indian batsmen. Santner, in particular, exploited the conditions, bowling with accuracy and guile, eventually ending the session with impressive figures of 4-34. He started by showcasing the pitch's unpredictability, delivering three deliveries from the same spot that behaved differently, making it challenging for the Indian batsmen to adapt. His persistence and patience paid off when he dismissed Shubman Gill in the 11th over, ending the promising start Gill had made.
Adding to India's woes, Glenn Phillips, introduced into the attack by Tom Latham, proved equally effective against the left-handed Indian batters. He utilized both the turn and the straight deliveries to perfection, claiming two crucial wickets and further contributing to the relentless pressure. As the session progressed, it became increasingly evident that New Zealand were not just containing India but actively suffocating their ability to score runs. Despite Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal's attempts to launch counterattacks, Santner's bowling was too good to be undone, forcing them into a defensive mode. The Indian batsmen were left frustrated as their efforts to score boundaries were met with tight bowling and well-placed fields.
The arrival of Virat Kohli, welcomed by the crowd with thunderous applause, provided a glimmer of hope for the Indians. However, his joy was short-lived as Kohli missed a full toss and was bowled for a solitary run. By this time, the pitch was turning more consistently, making it even more challenging for the batsmen. The pressure was mounting, and the fielders were alert, making full use of the turning ball. The Indians were floundering, and it seemed as if New Zealand was on the verge of achieving something truly extraordinary - a Test series victory against India in India.
The innings reached a crucial turning point when Jaiswal, struggling to adapt to the conditions, played a loose shot and edged a delivery from Phillips to slip. The dismissal of Rishabh Pant, bowled by Phillips for a duck, further added to the Indians' woes, leaving them staring down the barrel of defeat. The Indian batsmen were simply unable to cope with the relentless pressure and the challenging pitch, and the New Zealand bowlers, capitalizing on the opportunity, mercilessly exposed the vulnerabilities in the Indian batting order. The session ended with New Zealand on the brink of history, with India needing a miracle to salvage the situation and avoid a series defeat on home soil.
Source: New Zealand eye big lead, India lose 6 for 91 before lunch