India beat New Zealand to win series, become top Test team

India reclaimed the No.1 spot in the Test rankings and took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series beating New Zealand by 178 runs in the second cricket Test at the Eden Gardens here on Monday.

The Kiwis, chasing a target of 376, were skittled out for 197 in the post-tea session on the fourth day.

For the tourists, opener Tom Latham (74; 148 balls, 8x4) and Luke Ronchi (32; 60 balls, 4x4) were the principal scorers.

Ravichandran Ashwin (3/82), Ravindra Jadeja (3/41) and Mohammad Shami (3/46) were the chief wreckers of New Zealand's second innings.

Earlier on Monday, resuming at 227 for eight, India were all out for 263 in their second innings.

Wriddhiman Saha remained not out with 58 (120 balls, 6x4). Bhuvneshwar Kumar scored 23 (51 balls, 2x4, 1x6).

Trent Boult (3/38), Matt Henry (3/59) and Mitchell Santner (3/60) were the prominent wicket takers for the visitors.

New Zealand had scored 204 in their first innings in reply to India's 316.

India had won the first Test at Kanpur by 197 runs.

--IANS

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