Cracker of a test match has come to an end at Kolkata and we in India are thrilled with this emphatic win over a lowly placed in the side to annexe the number one. India crushed New Zealand by 178 runs in the second test to clinch the three-match series and reclaim top spot in the world rankings from Pakistan. Chasing 376 for victory, the touring side were bundled out for 197 in fading light on the fourth day at Eden Gardens to give India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. India overtakes Pakistan to become number one in ICC Test rankings. It was an all-round show from the Indian bowlers with spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja and fast bowler Mohammed Shami picking up three wickets each. New Zealand opener Tom Latham waged a lone battle, top- scoring for his side with a dogged 74. After a long time, Indian wicket keeper Wriddhiman Saha was adjudged Man of the Match for his show behind the stumps and in front of the wicket. Even though there was an inherent weakness in batting from both the sides, Indian team could recover well with the form shown by tail-enders. Bhuvanesh Kumar’s haul of 5 wickets for 48 was the turning point for the Kolkata test. Number of LBW decisions and that too without DRS turned the tables in favour of Team India and they have become number one despite bad show by the top order batsmen. It is time to give chance to other youngsters in the 3rd test.
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
