In a match that will be etched in the annals of cricket history, New Zealand achieved a remarkable feat by clinching a historic 3-0 series whitewash against India in their own backyard. Riding on the back of Ajaz Patel’s stunning performance, which saw him claim 6-57 in the fourth innings, the Kiwis edged out India by a slender margin of 25 runs on the third day of the final Test in Mumbai.
This unprecedented whitewash marks the first time ever that India has been blanked at home in a series comprising three or more Tests, underscoring the magnitude of New Zealand’s achievement.
Coming into the second session with an additional 55 runs needed for victory and only four wickets in hand, India’s hopes largely hinged on the explosive Rishabh Pant. His adventurous innings of 64 kept the hosts in the hunt. However, an eventful moment saw Ajaz deliver a decisive blow by having Pant caught behind in a decision shrouded with controversy. Initially given not out by on-field umpire Richard Illingworth, a DRS review, aided by the UltraEdge technology, reversed the decision due to the faintest of noises. The third umpire, Paul Reiffel, adjudged it as out, believing in his decision despite the marginal nature of the evidence. It was a decision that left Pant stunned and effectively turned the tide in New Zealand’s favor.
With Pant’s departure, India’s faint hopes crumbled as they seemed unable to withstand the pressure. Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin held fort for a brief period but were ultimately unable to mount a substantial comeback. Ashwin attempted a reverse sweep off Glenn Phillips, only to see his stumps rattled. On the very next ball, Phillips dismissed Akash Deep for a duck, hastening India’s collapse. Finally, Ajaz fittingly wrapped up proceedings by bowling Sundar, wiping out India’s resistance and capping off New Zealand’s memorable victory.
The third Test victory was not just a testament to the team’s resilience but also a nod to their tactical acumen. The wickets at Wankhede offered a stern test, with the pitch showing variable behavior across the course of merely two-and-a-half days.
. A slew of wickets tumbled indiscriminately with 14 falling on the opening day and 15 more on the second day. By the halfway point of the third day, the game reached its denouement as 11 wickets went down.
On such a capricious track, New Zealand displayed strategic brilliance, with Daryl Mitchell (82) and Will Young (71) anchoring the first innings after a rocky start. Despite their efforts, New Zealand was bundled out for a challenging total of 235, thanks to stellar bowling from Ravindra Jadeja (5-65) and Washington Sundar (4-81). New Zealand’s ability to claw their way back into the match after an early slump was noteworthy.
Conversely, India found themselves on the back foot despite securing a lead. Only Shubman Gill, with a gritty 90, and Pant, with another aggressive 60, showed resilience against the New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel, who wreaked havoc with 5-103. India’s innings unraveled sharply from a position of strength at 180/4, enforcing a lead of just 28 runs after a dramatic collapse.
In their second innings, New Zealand managed a modest 174, propelled by Will Young’s patient 51. Yet India’s bowlers, led by Jadeja’s commendable 5-55 and Ashwin’s 3-63, set a challenging target of 147 for the host nation.
Chasing on a deteriorating pitch proved India’s undoing, with early jitters leaving them at 29/5 by the seventh over. Despite Pant’s spirited resistance, the hosts faltered, unable to withstand Ajaz’s masterful spin as he brilliantly sealed the victory for New Zealand.
As India reflected on what might have been, New Zealand celebrated one of their greatest achievements. Ajaz Patel, with his magical spell at Wankhede, ensured that this series would be reminisced as a month of soaring Kiwi triumph in world cricket. The script of New Zealand’s historic series win promises to inspire many with tales of strategy, grit, and the sheer determination to conquer one of the formidable bastions of cricket.