Image Credit: BCCI
New Zealand Humiliates India, Seals Historic 3-0 Test Series Sweep
In a stunning turn of events, New Zealand defeated India by 25 runs in the third and final Test at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, completing a historic 3-0 series whitewash.
This marks India’s first-ever whitewash loss at home in a series of three or more matches. New Zealand’s triumph also makes it the first team to beat India on home soil since South Africa’s 2-0 victory in 2000.
India’s Batting Collapse Seals New Zealand’s Victory
The final Test saw India needing just 147 runs to avoid a sweep after New Zealand was bowled out for 174 early on Day 4. However, India’s batting lineup crumbled under New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack. Ajaz Patel, the Mumbai-born New Zealand spinner, was instrumental with an impressive 11-wicket match haul. His five-wicket haul in the first innings and crucial breakthroughs in the second innings left India reeling. Fast bowler Matt Henry set the tone early, dismissing Indian skipper Rohit Sharma for 11 in the third over.
Ajaz then bowled Shubman Gill and removed Virat Kohli for one, leaving the home crowd in stunned silence. Phillips trapped Yashasvi Jaiswal lbw and, soon after, Sarfaraz Khan was caught in the deep. India was in deep trouble at 29-5.
Pant’s Valiant Effort Falls Short
Rishabh Pant offered some resistance with a brisk 64 off 57 balls, but even his aggressive play couldn’t save India from defeat. His controversial dismissal dashed any remaining hopes, as India’s lower order quickly collapsed. Ravindra Jadeja’s five-wicket haul (5-55) and Ravichandran Ashwin’s 3-63 in New Zealand’s second innings proved insufficient to secure a win for the hosts.
New Zealand’s First Series Win in India in 36 Years
New Zealand’s journey to this historic victory began with their first Test win in India in 36 years, an eight-wicket victory in Bengaluru. They followed it up with a commanding 113-run win in Pune, setting the stage for the clean sweep in Mumbai. Will Young (51) top-scored for New Zealand on a turning track, with crucial contributions from Glenn Phillips (26), Devon Conway (22), and Daryl Mitchell (21).
Ajaz Patel’s exceptional performance throughout the series, coupled with New Zealand’s strategic bowling, ensured a clean sweep over a team that has long dominated on home soil.
