India and New Zealand are set to clash in the second Test of their three-match series, beginning on October 24 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. As the teams prepare for the crucial encounter, memories of India’s dominant performance in their last Test at the same venue, back in October 2019, against South Africa, have resurfaced.
In that memorable Test, India secured a resounding victory, defeating South Africa by an innings and 137 runs. The match saw Virat Kohli deliver a masterclass, scoring an unbeaten 254* and earning the Player of the Match award. With that victory, India took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, extending their dominance in home conditions.
India won the toss and opted to bat first in the match. Despite losing opener Rohit Sharma early, the home side quickly regained momentum through a 138-run partnership between Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara. However, the highlight of the innings was Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 254*, which came off 336 balls and included 33 fours and two sixes. Virat Kohli’s double century anchored India’s innings as they declared at a formidable 601/5, ensuring that they would only need to bat once in the match.
South Africa struggled to match India’s batting performance. In their first innings, they were bowled out for 275, with Ravichandran Ashwin leading the Indian bowling attack, claiming four wickets. Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami chipped in with three and two wickets respectively. Forced to follow on, South Africa’s second innings fared no better, as they were dismissed for 189. Umesh Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja took two wickets each, sealing India’s comprehensive win.
As India prepares to face New Zealand in Pune, they will be hoping to replicate their success from 2019. The ongoing series, however, has been challenging for India. In the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, India was bowled out for a mere 46 in their first innings. Despite a fighting half-century from Virat Kohli in the second innings, India lost the match by eight wickets. With the World Test Championship final still within reach, the team will be looking to bounce back in the upcoming Test.
The match in Pune not only holds significance for India’s aspirations in the current series but also serves as a reminder of Virat Kohli’s extraordinary performance against South Africa in 2019, one of the finest moments in his Test career.
