WATCH : Santner’s seven-fer and run accumulator Latham put Kiwis in driving seat on Day 2

Starting Day 2 at 16/1, India’s batters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill looked more settled than they had at the close of Day 1, patiently adding 34 runs to their partnership to bring the team past 50.

However, things quickly unraveled for the hosts. Mitchell Santner struck first, trapping Gill LBW after he misjudged a delivery.

Just two overs later, Santner dismissed Virat Kohli, who missed the line of a low full toss to end a brief nine-ball stay. Glenn Phillips then claimed Jaiswal, who edged one to slip, leaving India in a precarious position at 70/4.

Before lunch, poor shot selection continued to trouble the Indian lineup. Sarfaraz Khan and Ravichandran Ashwin both fell to Santner, while Rishabh Pant also departed after an ill-timed shot, taken by Phillips.

India went into the break at 107/7, struggling to find their footing.Post-lunch, Ravindra Jadeja provided a glimmer of hope with a counter-attacking 38, including three boundaries and two sixes.

He was supported by Washington Sundar, who chipped in with a quick, unbeaten 18. However, Santner returned to dismantle the lower order, taking three wickets in nine deliveries and wrapping up India’s innings for 156, leaving them over 100 runs behind New Zealand’s first innings total.

In response, New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway started confidently, putting up 19 runs in just three overs, including three boundaries off Ashwin. However, Ashwin and Washington Sundar soon regained control.

Ashwin dismissed Conway, who missed an attempted sweep and was given out LBW, followed by Will Young, who fell just before tea. Soon after, Rachin Ravindra also departed, leaving New Zealand at 89/3.

Latham stabilized the innings, reaching his half-century with support from Daryl Mitchell, who added a brisk 18 before being dismissed. Latham then combined with Tom Blundell to put together a vital 60-run partnership late in the day.

Latham ultimately missed a sweep shot and was given out LBW, falling 19 short of a century, as New Zealand finished Day 2 on 198/5.

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