In a stunning turn of events, New Zealand have scripted history by inflicting a 3-0 whitewash on India in their own backyard. The Kiwis completed their dominant run with a convincing victory in the third and final Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This marks the first time India has ever been whitewashed in a Test series at home, a testament to New Zealand's exceptional performance throughout the series.
India's batting faltered dramatically in the final innings, crumbling against the spin of Ajaz Patel on a challenging track. Chasing a modest target of 147, the Indian batsmen appeared clueless against the turning ball, failing to show the composure needed to secure a consolation victory.
Despite a valiant effort from Rishabh Pant, who waged a lone battle with a defiant half-century (64), India succumbed to a disappointing defeat. Pant's fighting knock kept India's hopes alive for a while, but he lacked support from the other end as wickets tumbled around him.
The Indian top order, featuring star batsmen Rohit Sharma (11), Shubman Gill (1), and Virat Kohli (1), fell cheaply to Ajaz Patel's deception and Matt Henry's accuracy. Other batsmen, including Yashasvi Jaiswal (5), Sarfaraz Khan (1), and Ravindra Jadeja (6), also failed to make significant contributions, leaving Pant to shoulder the burden of the chase.
This historic series win for New Zealand underscores their strength and resilience as a Test team. They have consistently outplayed India in all departments, showcasing their ability to adapt to challenging conditions and seize crucial moments. For India, this series serves as a wake-up call, highlighting areas of concern that need to be addressed before their next challenge.
