New Zealand’s spinners made a significant impact in the morning session on Day 2, with Mitchell Santner (4/36 in 16 overs) and Glenn Phillips (2/26 in 6 overs) dismantling India’s batting order on Friday.
At lunch, India is struggling at 107 for 7, trailing by 152 runs, after collapsing from a relatively comfortable 50 for 1.
Shubman Gill (30) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (30) had built a steady 49-run partnership for the second wicket, appearing to stabilise India’s innings. However, once this stand was broken, New Zealand pounced, taking six wickets for just 53 runs and leaving the hosts reeling at 103 for 7.
Among the morning’s wickets was Virat Kohli’s, dismissed for just 1 after an uncharacteristic shot that saw him clean bowled.
Ravindra Jadeja remains at the crease with a patient 11 off 24 balls, while Washington Sundar is on 2 from 6 deliveries. With 63 overs remaining in the day, New Zealand’s bowlers will aim to wrap up India’s innings quickly after lunch, tightening their grip on the game.