The Indian cricket team has reached Pune in preparation for the second Test match against New Zealand.
Pune (Maharashtra), October 22: Led by Rohit Sharma, the Indian cricket team arrived in Pune on Monday in preparation for their second Test match against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
Upon their arrival, the team received a warm welcome from fans at the airport.
**Sound ????**
**Travel Day ✅** #TeamIndia has reached Pune ???? #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 21, 2024
Rohit Sharma's team is looking to bounce back after suffering an 8-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the previous Test held in Bengaluru. The Indian side aims to secure a victory in the second Test to level the three-match series.
The second Test is scheduled to take place from October 24 to October 28.
In the Bengaluru Test, while chasing a target of 107 runs, Jasprit Bumrah (2/29) put up some resistance for India, but Will Young (48*) and Rachin Ravindra (39*) led New Zealand to a convincing win.
India had built a 106-run lead in their second innings, scoring 462/10 in reply to New Zealand's first innings total of 402/10. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (35 from 52 balls, with six fours) and Rohit Sharma (52 from 63 balls, with eight fours and a six) provided a strong start with a 72-run partnership.
Sarfaraz Khan then took control, forming a 136-run partnership with Virat Kohli (70 from 102 balls, with eight fours and a six), followed by a 177-run stand with Rishabh Pant (99 from 105 balls, with nine fours and five sixes), putting India in a commanding position. However, the introduction of the new ball saw India lose seven wickets for just 54 runs, as the middle order struggled to contribute.
William O'Rourke (3/92) and Matt Henry (3/102) capitalized on the new ball, dismantling the Indian batting lineup just when a substantial lead seemed within reach. Spinner Ajaz Patel claimed two wickets, while Glenn Phillips and Tim Southee each took one.
In their first innings, New Zealand scored 402 in response to India's 356. A spectacular century from Rachin Ravindra (134 from 157 balls, with 13 fours and four sixes) and a brisk 65 from Tim Southee (73 balls, eight fours, and four sixes) helped New Zealand recover from 233/7 to 402, thanks to a vital 137-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Devon Conway (91 from 105 balls, with 11 fours and three sixes) also contributed significantly at the top.
For India, Ravindra Jadeja (3/72) and Kuldeep Yadav (3/99) bowled effectively, while Mohammed Siraj took two wickets, and Ravichandran Ashwin and Bumrah claimed one each.
Earlier, after opting to bat, India had a disastrous start in overcast, pace-friendly conditions. Henry (5/15) and O'Rourke (4/22) dismantled the Indian batting order, dismissing them for a mere 46 runs in 31.2 overs. Only Jaiswal (13) and Pant (20) managed to reach double figures.