Ajaz Patel delivered a stunning performance, claiming a brilliant six-wicket haul that helped New Zealand secure a historic 25-run victory over India in the third and final Test at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
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This win not only clinched the match but also marked a rare 3-0 series whitewash for New Zealand—making them the first team to achieve such a feat against India in a Test series of three or more matches on Indian soil.
In the final innings, India faced a target of 147 runs after bowling New Zealand out for 174. Despite a promising start from Rishabh Pant, who scored 64 runs, the Indian batting lineup crumbled under pressure. Ajaz Patel’s exceptional bowling dismantled the batting order, leading to India’s collapse at just 121 runs. Patel’s figures of 6/57 highlighted his mastery of spin on the turning track.
The day began with India at 92/6, with Pant and Washington Sundar trying to stabilize the innings. However, after Pant was dismissed, the rest of the batting order fell apart. Patel’s wicket of Pant proved pivotal, as it allowed New Zealand to run through the remaining batsmen quickly.
Earlier, in the first innings, India managed to take a slender lead of 28 runs after scoring 263 in response to New Zealand’s 235. A notable partnership between Shubman Gill and Pant helped steady the innings. In contrast, New Zealand’s first innings featured half-centuries from Will Young and Daryl Mitchell, both of whom played crucial roles in setting a competitive total.
Ravindra Jadeja’s five-wicket haul in both innings showcased India’s own bowling strengths, but the batting failures ultimately cost them the series.
This historic whitewash serves as a stark reminder for the Indian team as they head into the upcoming challenges, particularly with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia on the horizon.
