Follow UsNew Zealand punished India in the second Test in Pune, setting India a record total of 359, on October 26 if they have to level the series 1-1. Why would it be a record total? India have only chased a 350+ target only once in their entire Test history at home, coming all the way back in 2008 against England in Chennai, when they scored 387.
Not shockingly, India have lost a whopping 40 runs when the target has been over 350 runs, making the already tough task even more challenging. Starting the day on 198/5, New Zealand took just an over to get to 200. But from thereon, a strong show from the Indian spinners - Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja - got the game back in the host’s favour.
After a couple of tough chances going against India, Jadeja finally had his man, getting Blundell with a delivery that turned past sharply. Mitchell Santner, who scored a handy 33 in the first innings, too, fell cheaply for a 16-ball four. Tim Southee and Ajaz Patel, too, didn’t last too long, leaving it all to Glenn Phillips to increase New Zealand’s total.
Phillips hit a couple of sixes, taking New Zealand’s total to 255 and a target of 359 on a surface that has been quite tricky for batters. The only other instance of India chasing a target of 350+ was back in 1976 when they won against West Indies in Trinidad.
If India get there, it will be the fifth-highest target chased down in the fourth innings in Asian conditions.
If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out on our content — big time. Download the App here.