Santner, Latham give New Zealand a shot at maiden series win in India

India’s 12-year unbeaten run in home Test series is under serious threat as New Zealand’s built a lead of 301 on day two of the second Test.

After the Black Caps’ historic victory in the first Test in Bengaluru, a win in Pune would give them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

That would end a remarkable sequence of 18 consecutive home series wins for India since Alastair Cook’s England clinched a famous 2-1 triumph in December 2012.

Rohit Sharma’s side face a mammoth task to avoid that fate after they were bundled out for 156 in reply to New Zealand’s first-innings 259.

Off-spinner Washington Sundar took 7-59 as the tourists were bowled out after opting to bat first on day one.

Kiwi left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner then also claimed seven wickets as India crumbled to 156 all out.

With a lead of 103, New Zealand pressed home their advantage in the second innings, closing on 198-5.

Captain Tom Latham led the way, top-scoring with 86, while wicketkeeper Tom Blundell is unbeaten on 30.

Sundar was again the pick of the bowlers for India, removing Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, both of whom made half-centuries in the first innings, in taking 4-56.

Blundell will resume on the third morning alongside Glenn Phillips with New Zealand aiming to stretch their lead before seeking the 10 wickets they will need to end India’s winning streak on home soil. (BBC)