India needed just about 45 minutes on Day 4 to wrap up the second Test against New Zealand by picking up the five remaining wickets, pulling off a triumph by a humongous margin of 372 runs.
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Virat Kohli-led Team India wrapped up proceedings early on Day 4 of the Wankhede Test against New Zealand, to pull off a comprehensive win by a margin of 372 runs. The hosts have now recorded their 14th consecutive Test series triumph at home, which is certainly commendable, to say the least. The margin of 372 runs further represents Team India’s biggest victory by margin of runs in the longest format of the game. New Zealand were bowled out for 167 in their second innings, courtesy a fantastic performance by spinner Jayant Yadav on Day 4.
Jayant accounted for three dismissals early, removing any scope for resistance from the New Zealand lower order. Rachin Ravindra who had helped the Kiwis salvage a draw in the opening Test departed early, with Kyle Jamieson and Tim Southee who are commendable batters themselves sent back soon enough. Jayant followed it up with the dismissal of Will Somerville, to leave the Black Caps 9 down. Ravichandran Ashwin accounted for the final dismissal to get Henry Nicholls stumped, leaving Ajaz Patel stranded at the other end.
Jayant termed the moisture in the wicket on Day 4 as a decisive factor, highlighting the importance of getting the ball in the right areas.
“In the morning, the moisture in the wicket helped. You could see the difference between last evening and this morning, was getting much more bite. Was just important to get the ball in the right areas. Wankhede and Mumbai is special, the last Test here, I got a hundred. Missed out on a five-for here, but helped the team’s cause. It’s useful to feed off Ashwin’s mind, he thinks for the team in a different way, should always pick on thinking brains and add to your game. It’s great learning for me,” he said as quoted by Cricinfo.
India already found themselves in a commanding position at the end of Day 3. Virat Kohli’s men declared at 276-7 in their second innings with the bat, setting a mammoth target of 540 for the visitors. The Kiwis were in a difficult position as they found themselves reduced to 140-5. The target was always going to be difficult for the Kiwis but they got off to the worst possible start. They lost an early wicket and then kept losing batters at regular intervals. Openers Tom Latham and Will Young could only score six and 20 runs respectively.
Veteran batter Ross Taylor was disappointing yet again as he was dismissed for six runs. Ravichandran Ashwin showed his class as he bagged three wickets on the day to leave New Zealand reeling. Axar Patel further picked the crucial wicket of Daryl Mitchell, who had scored 60 runs in 92 deliveries.
India were always in control of the second and final Test match, having accumulated 325 runs in their first innings. Mayank Agarwal was the highest run scorer as he made 150 runs with Axar Patel scoring 52. The Kiwi batting order had completely tumbled in their first innings as they were bowled out for just 62, their lowest Test total against India. Ravichandran Ashwin bagged four wickets and Mohammed Siraj picked three. India decided to not enforce a follow on.
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