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Kolkata: India, thanks to an inspired bowling effort from the bowling unit, wrapped up the second Test match against New Zealand inside four days after handing the visitors a 178-run defeat in Kolkata. India dismissed the Black Caps for 204 runs in the second innings to claim the win.
With the win, India are now the top ranked team in the Test cricket as they will overtake Pakistan in the rating points. India will play the third and final Test against New Zealand on Indore starting October 8, Saturday.
After setting New Zealand a target of 376 runs, India bowlers, led by spinners R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, never allowed the visitors a shot at victory. Ashwin was the first to begin the march to victory after he dismissed Martin Guptill just after Lunch. The opener had a 55-run stand with his partner Tom Latham before being dismissed.
The second wicket partnership was also worth 50 between Henry Nichollas and Latham before Jadeja had the former caught at slips with New Zealand’s score reading 105. Captain Ross Taylor joined Latham in the middle but his stay was cut short by Ashwin who foxed him to get an LBW.
Latham was fighting a lone battle with a gritty innings of 74. But as play resumed after Tea, Ashwin had him caught behind and no New Zealand batsmen was able to dominate the Indian bowlers thereafter.
Indian pace duo of Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar used the old ball to great effect and shared three wickets between themselves to put India on verge of win. Jadeja later dismissed Matt Henry to take India closer.
Shami took the last wicket to give India the win and the top ranking. Ashwin, Jadeja and Shami took three wickets each while Bhuvneshwar took one wicket.
Brief scores
India - 316 (Pujara 87, Rahane 77, Saha 54*, Henry 3-46) and 263 (Rohit 82, Saha 58*, Boult 3-38, Henry 3-59, Santner 3-60)
New Zealand 204 - (Bhuvneshwar 5-48) and 197 (Latham 74, Jadeja 3-41, Shami 3-46, Ashwin 3-82)
Result - India wo by 178 runs
