New Zealand defeated the World number 1 ranked Test side India by 7 wickets on the 3rd day of 2nd Test match played at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Monday. New Zealand registered 120 points in the ICC Test Championship and moved up to number 3rd.
Starting on the overnight score of 90 for 6, it was not an ideal start for India as Hanuma Vihari was caught down leg by Tim Southee. Trent Boult dismissed Pant to leave the visitors struggling. Ravindra Jadeja played some attacking strokes and created some pressure on Kiwis bowlers. Mohammed Shami slogged a big shot and went straight into the hands. Jadeja took on New Zealand bowlers trying to score runs. Bumrah was run out with a mix up to be bowled out for 124 runs in the 2nd innings setting a target of 132 runs to win.
Chasing 132 runs to win, Tom Blundell and Tom Latham impressed with their stroke play. Mohammed Shami did not bowl as he struggled with a shoulder injury. Both looked solid to take New Zealand to 46 for 0 at lunch.
After the lunch break, Latham and Blundell made the batting look comfortable. Mohammed Shami bowled just 3 overs which left India struggling. The left-handed Latham reached his fifty off 67 balls. Umesh Yadav finally got the breakthrough dismissing Latham for a brilliant 52. Kiwis openers added 103 runs. Jasprit Bumrah bowled tight line and lengths creating chances. He bowled a beauty of bouncer to dismiss Kane Williamson cheaply. Tom Blundell impressed with his stroke play and reached his fifty off 108 balls. Bumrah bowled a beauty to dismiss Blundell for 55. Ross Taylor and Henry Nicholls did the job for Kiwis as they registered a comfortable 7 wicket win to whitewash India by 2-0.
New Zealand 235 in 73.1 overs (Latham 52, Jamieson 49, Mohammed Shami 4/81, Jasprit Bumrah 3/62) and 132 for 3 in 36 overs (Tom Latham 52, Blundell 55, Bumrah 2/39, Yadav 1/45) beat India 242 in 63 overs ( Vihari 55, Shaw 54, Jamieson 5/45) and 124 in 46 overs ( Pujara 24, Shaw 14, Boult 4/28, Tim Southee 3/36) by 7 wickets.
For his all-round performance, Kyle Jamieson was awarded the man of the match. Tim Southee for his 14 wickets in 2 Test matches was awarded the man of the series.
