Mumbai, India: In a historic turn of events, New Zealand became the first team to whitewash India 3-0 in a Test series on Indian soil. Led by Tom Latham, the visitors wrapped up the series with a narrow 25-run victory in the third Test, held at Mumbai’s iconic stadium, clinching the win within just three days.
New Zealand entered the final Test with an unassailable 2-0 lead, securing their place in history thanks to Ajaz Patel’s outstanding bowling performance. Patel, who collected an impressive match haul of 11/160, played a pivotal role in dismantling the Indian batting line-up. After India bowled out New Zealand for 174 runs early on the third day, the hosts were left with a target of 147 for a consolation victory.
Despite Rishabh Pant’s resilient 64-run effort, India’s batting order crumbled once again under the pressure of New Zealand’s spin attack. Patel added six more wickets in the second innings to his earlier five-wicket haul, cementing his status as the standout performer of the match.
The win not only sealed New Zealand’s first-ever Test series triumph in India since their initial tour in 1955-56 but also ended India’s 12-year unbeaten home record. The earlier victories in Bengaluru and Pune had already set the tone for New Zealand’s dominant series.
Following the defeat, Indian captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged his own shortcomings and emphasized the need for introspection. “I wasn’t at my best with the bat or as a captain. This series loss is hard to digest, but we didn’t play our best cricket, and that’s something we have to own up to. New Zealand outperformed us, and we made too many mistakes,” Sharma remarked post-match.
New Zealand’s remarkable achievement in India underscores their growing stature in the Test arena, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing history.
Key Points:
- Historic Whitewash: New Zealand became the first team to whitewash India 3-0 in a Test series on Indian soil.
- Ajaz Patel’s Dominance: Ajaz Patel’s match-haul of 11 wickets for 160 runs was instrumental in securing New Zealand’s victory, particularly with his six-wicket performance in India’s second innings.
- India’s Collapse: Chasing a target of 147, India suffered a batting collapse, despite Rishabh Pant’s fighting 64.
- End of India’s Home Record: New Zealand’s series win ended India’s 12-year unbeaten streak at home and marked New Zealand’s first Test series victory in India since 1955-56.
- Rohit Sharma’s Response: Indian captain Rohit Sharma admitted to shortcomings in his performance as captain and batsman, calling for reflection on India’s collective failures in the series.
