Riding high on Ajaz Patel’s devastating spell of 6-57, New Zealand completed a sensational 3-0 whitewash against India, winning the final Test in Mumbai by 25 runs. It is the first time in history that India has been whitewashed at home in a series spanning three or more games, marking a significant achievement for the Black Caps and a crushing blow to the hosts.

Pant’s Controversial Dismissal Turns the Tide

India’s hopes hung by a thread with Rishabh Pant at the crease, but Ajaz Patel shattered the hosts’ dream when he had Pant controversially caught behind. Despite the on-field umpire Richard Illingworth initially giving it not out, the third umpire Paul Reiffel overturned the decision based on the tiniest of UltraEdge murmurs. Pant, visibly shocked, left India reeling, and with his departure, India’s chances of victory crumbled.

India started the final day needing just 55 runs with four wickets in hand, and Pant’s aggressive 64 kept them in the game. However, Patel’s spell ultimately left no room for miracles as New Zealand bundled India out for 121.

New Zealand Triumph on Treacherous Pitch

New Zealand’s third win of the series came on the toughest pitch yet. The visitors capitalized on winning the toss and managed to get to a respectable first innings total of 235, thanks to gritty half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell (82) and Will Young (71). India struggled to contain the Black Caps in the early stages, but Ravindra Jadeja’s 5-65 helped claw the visitors back.

India had an opportunity to bat New Zealand out of the game but faltered. Despite an impressive 90 from Shubman Gill and a valiant 60 from Pant, India couldn’t gain a significant lead, managing only 263. New Zealand’s hero Ajaz Patel spun a web around the Indian batters with a brilliant 5-103, making sure India didn’t run away with the game.

India’s Batting Collapse and Ajaz’s Magic

The drama intensified in the second innings as New Zealand, battling against a raging turner, set a modest target of 147. India found themselves in trouble almost instantly, collapsing to 29/5 in the seventh over. Although Pant fought hard with his second fifty of the game, Ajaz Patel once again proved to be the thorn in India’s side, claiming six wickets in the fourth innings, including that of Ashwin and Sundar to seal the series.

Ajaz Patel Seals India’s Fate

Ultimately, Ajaz Patel fittingly concluded the game by dismissing Washington Sundar as India was bowled out for a meager 121. The nature of the pitch and India’s collapse highlighted their inability to counter the Kiwi bowlers. The pitch continued to deteriorate, making it almost impossible for anyone but Pant to stand firm. However, even his resilience couldn’t withstand Patel’s magic.

Experts Praise New Zealand’s Incredible Achievement

Cricket analysts have praised New Zealand’s performance in outplaying India on their home turf. Experts highlighted that the challenging pitch conditions made New Zealand’s victory even more remarkable. New Zealand’s effective spin attack exploited India’s vulnerabilities, with Ajaz Patel delivering a standout performance.

Brief Scores:

• New Zealand: 235 (Daryl Mitchell 82, Will Young 71; Ravindra Jadeja 5-65, Washington Sundar 4-81) and 174 (Will Young 51; Ravindra Jadeja 5-55, Ravichandran Ashwin 3-63)
• India: 263 (Shubman Gill 90, Rishabh Pant 60; Ajaz Patel 5-103) and 121 (Rishabh Pant 64; Ajaz Patel 6-57)

  Ajaz Patel, Daryl Mitchell, India, Mumbai, New Zealand, Paul Reiffel, Ravindra Jadeja, Richard Illingworth, Rishabh Pant