MUMBAI: New Zealand secured a historic 3-0 series victory in India by winning a dramatic third test by 25 runs on Sunday. Ajaz Patel was the star for the Black Caps, taking 6 wickets for 57 runs, as they became the first visiting side to achieve a clean sweep in a minimum three-test series against India.
Glenn Phillips supported Patel well, claiming 3 wickets for 42 runs, as India collapsed to 121 all out in just 29.1 overs shortly after lunch on the third day. Rishabh Pant was the only notable resistance for the hosts, scoring 64 runs off 57 balls, including nine fours and a six. However, his counter-attacking innings was in vain as India lost their last three wickets for just four runs.
This series marked India’s worst performance in a home series, surpassing their previous worst of a 2-0 loss to South Africa in 2000. New Zealand won the first two tests in Bengaluru and Pune by margins of eight wickets and 113 runs, respectively, achieving a landmark first test series win in India. The victory in the third test was particularly significant, as it was the first time New Zealand had won three tests in a series, whether at home or away.
Captain Tom Latham expressed his joy at the achievement: “We are ecstatic. Looking back at the start of the series, to be now in this position, the boys have done a fantastic job over the last three tests. We understood how India plays and just tried to do our best. Our players chipped in at different times throughout the series.”
Chasing a target of 147 runs to avoid an unprecedented home series whitewash, India struggled at 92 for 6 at lunch, with only Pant’s innings providing any semblance of hope after a disastrous start. Pant formed a partnership of 42 runs for the sixth wicket with Ravindra Jadeja (6) before Jadeja was dismissed.
Rohit Sharma’s poor series continued as he was caught for just 11 runs, and Patel bowled Shubman Gill for a duck. The situation worsened for India when Virat Kohli was caught at slip for just one run. Phillips then dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal for five, leaving India in dire straits.
Pant’s innings offered some hope, but after a successful review by New Zealand, he was caught behind off Patel. Despite his efforts, Pant’s wicket triggered a swift collapse, with India losing their last four wickets for just 15 runs.
Patel’s six wickets took his total to 25 in the series, making him the most successful visiting bowler at any venue in India, surpassing Ian Botham’s previous record. New Zealand’s total of 174 runs in their second innings was also notable, with Ravindra Jadeja achieving a five-wicket haul, finishing the match with figures of 10 for 120.
In summary, this test series will be remembered for New Zealand’s remarkable achievement and India’s disappointing performance, leaving skipper Rohit Sharma reflecting on the mistakes made throughout the series.
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