New Zealand Creates History with 3-0 Whitewash Against India
New Zealand team, after successfully defeating Team India in Bengaluru and Pune, went on to win the Wankhede Test match, securing a historic whitewash over India after 24 years. This was the first time India has been whitewashed in a three-Test series. It was also the first time New Zealand won three consecutive Test matches, marking a significant milestone.
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New Zealand Won the Toss and Opted to Bat
The Wankhede pitch played as expected, as the Indian team, desperate for a win, prepared a rank turner but ultimately fell into their trap. After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bat first and scored just 235 runs as Jadeja and Sundar dominated, taking nine wickets.
In the first innings, the Indian team also struggled to take advantage, managing only a 28-run lead. Ajaz Patel once again proved his worth by taking five wickets.
On the second day, the pitch began to produce sharper turns, resulting in a quick New Zealand collapse in their second innings, managing just 174 runs. Jadeja was again the star for India, picking up five more wickets.
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India Fails to Chase 147
New Zealand set India a target of 147 runs. The target looked easy on paper, but the chase turned into a nightmare for the Indian team. India got off to a poor start as Rohit Sharma played a rash shot against Matt Henry and got out early. After Rohit, Gill, Virat Kohli, Jaiswal, and Sarfaraz Khan followed, leaving Team India struggling at 29 for 5. The pressure was once again on wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant to carry his team over the line.
Pant batted confidently and kept India in the chase, but hopes faded as soon as he was dismissed. The Indian team crumbled like a pack of cards, bowled out for just 121 runs. Pant scored 64 runs, while Sundar was the next top scorer with only 12 runs. Despite having nine batting options, Team India failed to chase 147 runs. Ajaz Patel was the hero for New Zealand, taking six wickets in the second innings as well. He was well supported by all-rounder Glenn Phillips, who took three wickets.
Ajaz Patel was awarded Player of the Match, while Will Young was declared Player of the Series.
Rohit Sharma Joins Sachin Tendulkar in Home Series Loss Record
Rohit Sharma has now joined Sachin Tendulkar on the list of Indian captains who have lost a Test series at home. In 2000, Tendulkar lost the series 2-0 against South Africa, and 24 years later, Rohit joined him on this list. India’s tour of Australia begins on November 22, and the team has many questions to address before then.
