New Zealand Secures Historic 3-0 Test Series Victory Over India

Ajaz Patel (left) received the player of the match award, having secured five-wicket hauls in each innings. Third Test, Mumbai (day three of five) New Zealand scored 235 (Mitchell 82, Young 71; Jadeja 5-65, Sundar 4-81) and 174 (Young 51; Jadeja 5-55). India scored 263 (Gill 90, Pant 60; Patel 5-103) and 121 (Pant 64; Patel 6-57). New Zealand secured a 25-run victory and claimed the series 3-0. Scorecard. New Zealand secured a landmark 3-0 series clean sweep against India, triumphing by 25 runs on the third day of the decisive third Test held at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. This marks India’s initial clean-sweep loss in a home Test series since South Africa’s 2-0 victory in 2000, and their first in a series comprising three or more Tests. Prior to their eight-wicket win in the series’ opening match in Bengaluru, New Zealand had never achieved a Test series victory in India and had not won a single Test for 36 years. Black Caps batter Daryl Mitchell, who contributed 82 runs in the first innings, stated: “It’s seriously special first of all to win a Test match here at this historic ground, but also to win a series 3-0,” He added: “It’s something you dream of. To come over here and actually achieve it is pretty special against a world-class Indian team.” Mitchell concluded: “We’re just a bunch of Kiwis taking on the world.” The home team, requiring 147 runs for victory, was dismissed for 121 during the afternoon session, largely due to spinner Ajaz Patel’s performance of 6-57. India appeared headed for a more substantial defeat after collapsing to 29-5, until a forceful half-century by Rishabh Pant offered a glimmer of hope. However, Pant’s dismissal for 64 runs soon after the lunch break allowed New Zealand to reassert control over the game, a lead they maintained until the end. Although Pant was initially given not out by the on-field umpire, the TV umpire reversed the decision following multiple replays, determining that the ball had made contact with his bat prior to hitting his pad and proceeding to wicketkeeper Tom Blundell. This left India struggling at 106-7, and they managed to score only 15 additional runs for their last three wickets, as Patel concluded the match, finishing with overall figures of 11-160. New Zealand had commenced the day at 171-9 but managed to add only three runs before Patel was dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja, who claimed 5-55, concluding with match figures of 10-120. This victory sustains New Zealand’s prospects of qualifying for the World Test Championship final in June, while significantly diminishing India’s chances of making it for the third consecutive occasion.