In a stunning display of resilience and skill, New Zealand achieved an unprecedented feat by whitewashing India 3-0 in a Test series on Indian soil, marking the first time India has faced such a comprehensive defeat at home in a three-Test series or more. The historic victory was sealed in the third Test at Wankhede Stadium, where the visitors defended a modest total of 146 to clinch the match by just 25 runs.
In a match dominated by bowlers, New Zealand set the stage with scores of 235 and 174, thanks to notable contributions from Dary Mitchell (82) and Devon Young (71) in the first innings, while India’s Ravindra Jadeja claimed five wickets in each inning. In response, India struggled, posting 263 in their first innings and only managing 121 in the second, despite a valiant 64 off 57 balls from Rishabh Pant.
Pant’s aggressive knock nearly turned the tide for India as he fought valiantly from 29 for 5 to take the score to 106 for 6. His innings included a series of well-timed boundaries, but it was cut short by a contentious DRS decision that reversed an on-field not-out ruling, leaving the home crowd in disbelief.
Ajaz Patel, who had previously achieved the remarkable feat of taking all ten wickets in an innings during his last visit to India, was again the standout bowler for New Zealand. He finished with an impressive 6 for 57 in the second innings and a total of 11 wickets in the match, making him the most successful visiting bowler at a single Indian venue. Glenn Phillips also played a crucial role, taking three wickets and applying pressure throughout India’s innings.
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The match saw India struggle with batting inconsistency, especially under the pressure of New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack. Key Indian batsmen, including Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, fell victim to unplayable deliveries, and the team’s collapse continued despite Pant’s heroics.
“We are just a bunch of Kiwis taking on the world,” said Mitchell, reflecting on their remarkable achievement. The New Zealand team’s strategy and execution were pivotal in overcoming India, a team long regarded as formidable at home.
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Indian captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, stating, “I was not at my best as captain, and with the bat,” pointing to the need for introspection following such a historic defeat.
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As New Zealand celebrated their remarkable triumph, the Indian team was left to ponder over their tactics and performance, especially in the face of challenging conditions and a determined opposition. This series will undoubtedly be a point of reflection for Indian cricket as they look to regroup ahead of future challenges.
Match Scorecard: 3rd Test, India vs New Zealand
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
New Zealand 1st Innings: 235
– Dary Mitchell: 82
– Devon Young: 71
Bowling:
– Ravindra Jadeja: 5/65
– Washington Sundar: 4/81
India 1st Innings: 263
– Shubman Gill: 90
– Rishabh Pant: 60
Bowling:
– Ajaz Patel: 5/103
New Zealand 2nd Innings: 174
– Devon Young: 51
Bowling:
– Ravindra Jadeja: 5/55
– R Ashwin: 3/63
India 2nd Innings: 121
– Rishabh Pant: 64
Bowling:
– Ajaz Patel: 6/57
– Glenn Phillips: 3/42
Match Result: New Zealand won by 25 runs
Series Result: New Zealand wins 3-0.
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