Published By: Sanchari Das

IND vs. NZ Test: Revisiting the Only Two Test Matches the MCA Stadium Pune Hosted So Far

Now, as Pune prepares to host its third Test match, the stage is set for another memorable encounter between India and New Zealand

India will face New Zealand in Pune for the second Test of the series after a tough 8-wicket loss in Bengaluru. This will be only the third Test at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium since its inauguration in 2012. India will look to rebound in this must-win match as they aim to secure a spot in the World Test Championship Final in 2025. Meanwhile, New Zealand arrives with momentum, having claimed a historic win after 36 years in India.

New Zealand scripted history in the first Test at Bengaluru, winning by eight wickets. Tom Latham, captaining New Zealand for the first time in a full-time capacity, led his side to break India's 36-year unbeaten streak at home. Chasing a modest target of 107, Rachin Ravindra and Will Young sealed the victory with a solid partnership on a rain-affected final day. Despite Jasprit Bumrah's efforts, New Zealand comfortably crossed the finish line, with Ravindra scoring 45* and Young 39*.

Pune hosts a test after seven years

Pune's MCA Stadium is set to host a Test after seven long years. The last time the venue saw Test action was in 2019 when India took on South Africa. This upcoming match against New Zealand will be significant not only because of its rarity but also due to the stakes involved. India needs a win to level the series and stay in contention for the World Test Championship final. At the same time, New Zealand seeks to continue their dominant run under Latham's leadership, with Kane Williamson potentially returning.

Now, let us look at the two test matches played at Pune.

India's crushing defeat to Australia in 2017

The first Test at the MCA Stadium was held in February 2017 when Australia toured India. This match saw Australia pull off a stunning 333-run victory over India, making it one of India's most significant home defeats that year. After a first-innings score of 260, Australia's spinner Steve O'Keefe turned the game on its head, claiming six wickets for just 35 runs, bundling India out for a mere 105. KL Rahul's 64 was the only resistance India could offer.

In the second innings, Australia's captain, Steven Smith, led from the front with a brilliant century (109), setting India a challenging target of 441. O'Keefe once again wreaked havoc, taking another six wickets as India collapsed for just 107. The spin-friendly pitch in Pune turned into a nightmare for India's batters, who had no answers for Australia's lethal spin attack. This unexpected victory gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the series, and the memory of that defeat still lingers at the venue.

India's dominant win over South Africa in 2019

The second Test hosted in Pune came in October 2019 when India took on South Africa in the ICC World Test Championship. This match was a stark contrast to the previous one, as India dominated from start to finish, winning by an innings and 137 runs. Captain Virat Kohli led the way with a monumental unbeaten 254*, guiding India to an imposing total of 601/5 declared in their first innings.

South Africa's batting lineup faltered under pressure from India's bowlers. Umesh Yadav struck early to reduce them to 36/3 by the end of day two. Despite some resistance from Faf du Plessis (64) and Keshav Maharaj (72), South Africa could only muster 275 in their first innings, trailing by 326 runs. Forced to follow on, they collapsed again in their second innings, scoring just 189, with Ravindra Jadeja and Umesh Yadav taking three wickets each.