India pulled off a brilliant all-round performance to defeat New Zealand by 178 runs in the second Test in Kolkata to clinch the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead.
The win also propelled them to the top of the ICC rankings dethroning arch-rivals Pakistan.
Virat Kohli’s men wrapped up the series-deciding victory on the fourth day of the match after setting the Black Caps a mammoth target of 376 runs to chase.
The visitors showed some spark to start with but their chase floundered in the post-tea session and the side was bowled out for 197 in 81.1 overs in what was India’s 250th home Test.
The home team had earlier finished its second innings at 263 in 76.5 overs.
Following Rohit Sharma’s 82-run knock yesterday, Wriddhiman Saha also picked up his second successive half-century of the match by scoring a 120-ball 58, laced with half a dozen fours.
Faced with an improbable chase, New Zealand were off to a confident start before things went downhill in the final session.
Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were the top Indian wicket-takers with hauls of 3/82 and 3/41 respectively. Among the pacers, Mohammed Shami grabbed 3/46 in a fine concerted bowling performance.
The two teams will now move to Indore for the third Test starting October 8 which would be followed by a five-match ODI series.
The highlight of the day’s play in India’s second innings was man of the man Saha, who remained unbeaten on 58.
Well played, Team India!
Feature image source: PTI