India have won just two Tests after being given a lead of 100 or more in the first innings.© BCCI
The Indian cricket team is staring at a rare Test series loss after being defeated by New Zealand in the first two matches of a three-match rubber match. After a shock eight-wicket defeat to the Kiwis in Bengaluru, India trailed 0-1 in the series. In the ongoing second Test, the Rohit Sharma-led side conceded a 103-run lead in the first innings before New Zealand extended their lead to 301 by the end of Day 2. New Zealand added just 57 runs to their overnight score of 198. /5, setting India a target of 359.
With three days to go in the Pune Test, India has a mountain to climb to avoid a first series defeat at home for the first time in twelve years. India last lost a Test series at home when England defeated the MS Dhoni-led side 2-1.
Since then, India has won 18 consecutive Test series at home, including a recent 2-0 success against Bangladesh. However, to win the Pune Test, Team India will have to make a rare comeback. Since their Test debut in 1932, India have won only two Tests after conceding a lead of 100 or more in the first innings.
The first example of this occurred in 1976 in Port of Spain. After conceding a lead of 131 against the West Indies, India successfully chased down 406. The second and most recent success came in 2001, when India pulled off an incredible victory after Australia forced a follow-on.
India had conceded a lead of 273 runs. However, in the follow-on, VVS Laxman made 281 runs while Rahul Dravid scored 180 as India came from behind to stun Australia at Eden Gardens.
India's victory in Kolkata came after Australia took a 1-0 lead in the series. However, Sourav Ganguly not only leveled the series but also won the series.
If India beat New Zealand in Pune, it will be the first time they chase a target after getting a lead of 100 or more.
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