New Zealand achieved an impressive 3-0 series sweep against India, concluding the third and final Test with a tense 25-run victory on day three at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. This defeat marks a historic low for India in home Test matches, as it’s their first clean-sweep defeat in a multi-Test home series. The last time India experienced such a loss at home was a 2-0 defeat to South Africa back in 2000, though that series only involved two matches. For New Zealand, this triumph represents their first-ever Test series win in India and a much-anticipated achievement since they had not won a Test match on Indian soil in 36 years. Their journey to victory was ignited by a strong performance in the series opener in Bengaluru, where they secured an eight-wicket win.
“This win is seriously special,” said Daryl Mitchell, a key contributor for New Zealand, having scored 82 runs in the first innings of the final match. “First of all, to win a Test match here at this historic ground, but also to win a series 3-0 is something you dream of. To come over here and actually achieve it is pretty special against a world-class Indian team. We’re just a bunch of Kiwis taking on the world,” Mitchell added, reflecting on the pride and fulfillment felt by his team after achieving what had once seemed improbable.
The concluding Test saw India set a target of 147 runs to win, yet they faltered dramatically, being bowled out for a total of 121 during the afternoon session. Ajaz Patel was the star performer with the ball for New Zealand, taking six wickets for 57 runs in India’s second innings, a remarkable display that firmly tilted the game in New Zealand’s favor. India’s chase stumbled early, and they found themselves in trouble at 29-5. Rishabh Pant, however, offered a glimmer of hope with a resilient half-century, which added some resistance to India’s innings and rekindled faint hopes for the home team.
Pant’s spirited effort came to an end at 64, shortly after lunch, as he fell to New Zealand’s attack following a contentious decision that was overturned by the TV umpire. Replays showed that the ball had brushed Pant’s bat before it contacted his pad and was caught by wicketkeeper Tom Blundell. This dismissal, which left India at 106-7, proved critical, as the team was unable to recover. After Pant’s departure, India managed to add only 15 more runs for their final three wickets, ultimately handing New Zealand a memorable series-clinching win. Patel’s consistent performance shone brightly, as he ended the match with a total of 11 wickets for 160 runs.
New Zealand began the final day of play at 171-9 but only managed to add three additional runs to their total before Patel was bowled out by Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja also had an exceptional match with the ball, taking five wickets for 55 runs in New Zealand’s second innings and ending the Test with impressive match figures of 10-120. Despite Jadeja’s valiant effort, India was unable to prevent New Zealand from reaching their goal.
This landmark victory keeps New Zealand in contention for a place in the World Test Championship final in June, while also delivering a severe blow to India’s hopes of qualifying for the championship final for a third consecutive time.
