New Zealand beat India by 25 runs in the third Test [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]
On November 3, New Zealand scripted history by defeating India by 25 runs in the third and final Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This win gave New Zealand a clean sweep of the series, winning 3-0 and marking India's first-ever home series whitewash in a three-match Test series. It is worth noting that winning against India on their home turf is a challenge for any team but New Zealand have done it.
New Zealand win is special as they become the first team to whitewash India in a three-match Test series at home. This loss also marked the lowest point for Team India, who have not experienced such a defeat at home in long 24 years. Their chances of reaching the World Test Championship 2023–2025 final are now in jeopardy. Throughout the series, New Zealand showed their resilience and outplayed Men In Blue in all aspects of the game.
In the final Test, India bundled out New Zealand for just 174 runs in their first innings, and India needed just 147 runs to secure a consolation win. However, the home team struggled against Black Caps' spin bowlers. Ajaz Patel was the star performer, he claimed five wickets in the first innings and finished with 10 wickets in the match. India faltered as it collapsed to 29 for 5 at one point in their second innings. However, Rishabh Pant tried to rescue the innings with a spirited 64 runs but was controversially given out. This series shattered several major records, and here’s a list of those that were broken.
IND Vs NZ: Records Broken In The Series
- First Whitewash in India: New Zealand become the first team to whitewash India in a three-match Test series at home.
- Second Home Series Whitewash: This is only the second time India has lost every match of a series at home, with the previous occurrence in the 1999-2000 season against South Africa.
- First Series Sweep in 24 Years: This win marks India’s first home series whitewash in 24 years, with the last such loss occurring in 2000 (2-0 against South Africa).
- Tom Latham's Historic Captaincy: Tom Latham becomes the first New Zealand captain to lead his team to a Test series victory in India.
- Rohit Sharma's Unfortunate Record: Rohit Sharma becomes the second Indian captain to be whitewashed at home, following the 0-2 loss to South Africa in 2000.