New Zealand had another dominating outing against India in the ongoing Wellington Test as they bundled out the visitors for a paltry 165 in the first innings on Day 2, before making a statement with the bat.

India managed to add only 43 runs in their overnight total on the second day. Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane was the top-scorer with 46.

Veteran pacer Tim Southee ran through the Indian lower order and returned with the figures of 4 for 49 while debutant Kyle Jamieson, who wreaked havoc on Day 1, finished with 4 scalps for 39 runs.  

In response, New Zealand lost opener Tom Latham cheaply as Ishant Sharma dismissed him for 11. But the pair of Tom Blundell and captain Kane Williamson steadied the ship by adding 47 runs for the second wicket.

While Ishant broke the partnership by removing Blundell for 30, Williamson held the one end firmly and shared a 93-run stand for the third wicket with Ross Taylor to ensure New Zealand’s lead.

When things were going downhill for India, Ishant once again did the job by claiming the prized scalp of Taylor (44). But it was Mohammad Shami, who provided the biggest breakthrough by dismissing Williamson on 89. Henry Nicholls was the last man to get out in the day, courtesy off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s brilliance.

Because of bad light in the final session, all the overs couldn’t be bowled as the hosts ended the second day on 216/5, leading India by 51 runs.

Brief Scores:

India 165 all-out (Ajinkya Rahane 46; Kyle Jamieson 4-39, Tim Southee 4-49) trail New Zealand 216/5 (Kane Williamson 89; Ishant Sharma 3-31) by 51 runs.