A remarkable seven-wicket haul by Mitchell Santner propelled New Zealand to a commanding position in the second test against India in Pune on Friday. Santner's exceptional performance helped dismiss India for 156, and by the end of day two, the tourists had reached 198 for five, extending their lead to 301 runs.

Tom Blundell remained unbeaten on 30, while Glenn Phillips scored nine. The Black Caps, who had already won the series opener by eight wickets, further solidified their grip on the three-match series. Washington Sundar managed to dismiss Devon Conway for 17, Rachin Ravindra for nine, and Daryl Mitchell for 18, but New Zealand's batsmen found the runs flowing too easily.

New Zealand's new captain, Tom Latham, returned to form with a timely 86, becoming Washington's fourth victim late in the day. This performance put the tourists in a strong position to secure their maiden series victory in India. India, on the other hand, is aiming for their 19th consecutive home series victory since their 2-1 defeat by England in 2012. To draw level with New Zealand, they will need a resilient effort ahead of the finale in Mumbai next month.

Earlier, Santner posted career-best figures of seven for 53, while Phillips contributed with two for 26, continuing the spinners' dominance at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. Washington Sundar had taken seven for 59 on the first day. The hosts resumed on 16 for one after losing captain Rohit Sharma for a nine-ball duck on Thursday evening. Shubman Gill narrowly escaped an lbw appeal on the third ball of the morning when he was on 10.

Santner trapped Gill plumb in front for 30 and bowled Virat Kohli for one with an inviting full toss. Mitchell pulled off a sharp catch at slip as Phillips dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal for 30. Rishabh Pant was castled for 18 by Phillips after a loose shot, and Santner had Sarfaraz caught for 11, leaving India struggling at 95 for six. Santner then trapped Ashwin lbw for four and removed Ravindra Jadeja similarly after the batsman made a defiant 38. He snared Jasprit Bumrah for a duck, ensuring New Zealand would begin their second innings with a lead of 103, leaving India facing the prospect of their first home series defeat in 12 years.

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