In a match that will be etched in the annals of cricket history, Ajaz Patel’s spectacular bowling performance of 6-57 in the fourth innings propelled New Zealand to a remarkable 25-run victory over India on the third day of the final Test in Mumbai. This win clinched a series whitewash for the visitors—a first against India at home in a series of three or more matches—rendering a chapter of the sport written with bold new letters.
Beginning the second session with India needing just 55 runs but with only four wickets in hand, the match hung in a precarious balance. Rishabh Pant, with his flamboyant batting style, was the mainstay for India, keeping the home team’s hopes alive with a spirited 64. However, the formidable Ajaz Patel struck a decisive blow to India’s aspirations by claiming Pant’s wicket in a manner that sparked controversy and debate.
Initially, Pant was declared not out by on-field umpire Richard Illingworth. But, in a decision that would flip the narrative of the game, the DRS and UltraEdge technology picked up the faintest murmur—a crucial moment that even led to doubts on whether it was an edge from the bat or contact with the pad. Generally, such uncertainties lead to maintaining the on-field decision, but third umpire Paul Reiffel opted to overrule, leaving Pant and the Indian camp stunned.
This turning point was a devastating blow to India’s pursuit. With Pant’s exit, the chase appeared doomed despite the presence of skilled tail-enders Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin at the crease. Their presence, however, couldn’t reverse the inevitable; a pitch offering unpredictable spins and India’s faltering intent meant the challenge was insurmountable without Pant’s sustained participation. Attempting a reverse sweep, Ashwin succumbed to Glenn Phillips, and his departure was swiftly followed by the fall of Akash Deep for zero, further quickening India’s downfall. In a fitting twist, it was Ajaz Patel who secured the victory, dismissing Sundar by bowling him with an attempted slog sweep.
The feat was an even more significant triumph for New Zealand given it occurred on perhaps the most challenging pitch of the series. Winning the toss gave them a tactical advantage, yet to their credit, their batting in the initial session was efficient.
. Still, the match advanced rapidly to its conclusion within two-and-a-half days, with an astounding tally of 14 wickets falling on day one, 15 on the next, and the remaining 11 falling before the day’s halfway point during the third day. On such a treacherous surface, the task of batting became akin to chance, and facing the trial of batting last was predictably perilous.
New Zealand’s success rested heavily on key innings from Daryl Mitchell, who scored a valiant 82, and Will Young’s 71, which buttressed their first innings, despite the rest faltering. India’s bowlers Ravindra Jadeja, claiming 5-65, and Washington Sundar with 4-81, showcased their adaptability to the demanding conditions following a somewhat wavering start initially. New Zealand, poised at 159/3 at one stage, envisioned forging past 275 but managed only 235 as India’s varied bowling took hold, with Ashwin uncharacteristically not taking a wicket.
India had a prime chance to dominate the encounter but failed to capitalize significantly. Shubman Gill’s 90 and Pant’s vigilant 60 provided a solid foundation, dismissing Ajaz’s spinning web temporarily as India reached a comfortable 180/4. However, a dramatic collapse ensued, mimicking their opponents, and without Washington Sundar’s rapid 38 off 36 balls, even a slim lead seemed elusive.
In the grand scope, India’s slim lead of 28 runs did precious little to dent New Zealand’s gaining momentum. India’s recalibrated bowling saw Jadeja execute another brilliant five-for, and Ashwin rediscover his rhythm with a three-wicket haul in the second innings. This held New Zealand to 174, setting an enticing chase target of 147 for India. The target, deceptively modest, proved to be a minefield for the Indian batting lineup, which crumbled at 29/5 in merely the seventh over—a predicament from which recovery seemed an uphill task.
Nevertheless, Rishabh Pant, a beacon of resistance, displayed unmatched skill with his second fifty of the match, appearing to play an entirely different game compared to his teammates. Yet, in a situation where partnerships were crucial, a deteriorating pitch coupled with a controversial dismissal prematurely ended his valiant fight—signaling New Zealand’s grand march into history. This series victory, an incredible achievement for the Black Caps, underscores what has been a defining period for the team in what is celebrated as the pinnacle month in their cricketing chronicles.