"Achieve this for first time is indescribable": Phillips on New Zealand's Test series win in India - World News Network

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], October 26 (ANI): New Zealand defeated India by 113 runs in the second Test of the three-match series in Pune, securing their first-ever Test series victory on Indian soil. Glenn Phillips, reflecting on this milestone, described the moment as “indescribable,” acknowledging the formidable challenge of competing against India in their home conditions.
“For us to achieve this for the first time is indescribable,” said Phillips after the match. “It has been incredibly tough competing with the Indian boys on their home turf. We tried to learn, adapt, and play more positively in these conditions. Seeing it pay off like this feels amazing,” he added.
Phillips credited his experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a factor in acclimatising to Indian pitches, though he noted that mastering the conditions requires more than IPL exposure.
“It does get easier,” he remarked, “but you can never fully learn the conditions until you’re actually here.”
The star of the second Test in Pune was undoubtedly Mitchell Santner, whose exceptional performance with the ball included two five-wicket hauls, showcasing control and finesse on a dry, spin-friendly pitch.
Phillips praised Santner’s bowling, stating, “At the end of the day, Mitch was bowling absolutely brilliantly. Our focus was to hold up the other end and let him do his thing.”
Meanwhile, India grappled with a disappointing series. They suffered a setback in Bengaluru after misreading the pitch and opting to bat first, only to face a fierce seam attack from Matt Henry and company on a surface favouring pacers. In Pune, despite a spin-friendly pitch, India struggled to find rhythm with the ball, with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja unable to deliver their usual incisive performances. Washington Sundar, a late addition to the squad, was a standout, taking seven wickets on the opening day and showcasing his potential.
Phillips also commented on India’s aggressive batting approach, lauding the “intent” shown by India’s top order.
“The way Jaiswal came out smashing it everywhere was amazing,” he noted.
As for celebrations, Phillips mentioned they would be low-key yet cherished.
“It’ll be in the team room for us,” he said. “The guys are all pretty stoked!”
This victory not only highlights New Zealand’s grit but also secures a place in Test cricket history, as they triumphed over two contrasting Indian conditions — a pace-friendly Bengaluru and a spin-friendly Pune — emerging victorious in both.
In the match, New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first. Half-centuries from Devon Conway (76 in 141 balls, with 11 fours) and Rachin Ravindra (65 in 105 balls, with five fours and a six) put the Kiwis in a strong position at 197/3, with Ravichandran Ashwin (3/41) making some inroads into their lineup. Following Conway’s dismissal, Washington Sundar (7/59) cleaned up the remaining wickets, restricting New Zealand to 259 all out.
India aimed to surpass this modest total and gain a substantial lead. However, after skipper Rohit Sharma’s dismissal for a duck, youngsters Shubman Gill (30 in 72 balls, with two fours and a six) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (30 in 60 balls, with four boundaries) tried to establish a partnership. Their efforts were cut short, though, at 49 runs. Like in the first innings, Gill’s dismissal paved the way for Mitchell Santner to dismantle the Indian lineup. Santner (7/53) and Glenn Phillips (2/26) orchestrated India’s collapse, skittling them out for just 156 runs. Ravindra Jadeja top-scored with 38 off 46 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes.
New Zealand took command in their second innings, with skipper Tom Latham scoring 86 off 133 balls, supported by Phillips (48 off 82 balls) and Tom Blundell (41 off 83 balls). These efforts extended their 103-run first-innings lead to 358, before India wrapped up their innings at 255, thanks to disciplined bowling in the first session of day three.
Sundar (4/56) led India’s bowling effort in the second innings, with Jadeja (3/72) and Ashwin (2/97) also chipping in.
Chasing 359, India got a solid start from opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who built a valuable 62-run stand with Shubman Gill (23 off 31 balls). However, after Jaiswal’s dismissal for 77 off 65 balls, India failed to recover and was outplayed by New Zealand’s spinners, finishing at 245 and conceding defeat by 113 runs. This marked India’s first home series loss in 12 years.
Santner (6/104) was again the standout performer, taking 13 wickets in the match, with Phillips and Ajaz Patel providing support to end the Test two days early. (ANI)

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