Joy for New Zealand after historic series win over India
With their win in the low-scoring contest in Mumbai, New Zealand became the first-ever side to sweep India in a three-game Test series at home.
Coming in after a harrowing 2-0 loss in Sri Lanka, New Zealand defied all expectations to whitewash a strong India, a side that had won each of their last 18 series at home since 2012.
Leading the series 2-0, New Zealand conceded an advantage of 28 runs in the first innings after batting first, with India posting 263 to the Black Caps’ 235, but eventually secured the game by 25 runs.
New Zealand wrap up a remarkable Test series with a 3-0 whitewash over India following a thrilling win in Mumbai 👏 #WTC25 | 📝 #INDvNZ: https://t.co/XMfjP9Wm9s pic.twitter.com/vV9OwFnObv
— ICC (@ICC) November 3, 2024
New Zealand’s Tom Latham, who was appointed as the new Test captain after the outing in Sri Lanka, cherished the win at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“Very very ecstatic. Looking back at the start of the series and to be in this position,” Latham referred to New Zealand’s record bundling out of India for 46, their lowest-ever total at home, in Bengaluru. “Boys have done a very good job and to finally to do it here in Mumbai, we were challenged with bat and ball. Very happy.”
Latham went on to praise his side for being able to adapt to the host of conditions on display, from the seam and movement in the opening Test to the turn in the subsequent two games.
“Just being able to adapt to each ground. There is no one way of doing things - the seamers did the job in Bangalore, different guys stood up at different times. More contributions we were looking for. Last week it was Mitch, this time it was Ajaz. We wanted to come here and try and fire a few shots. Tried to be aggressive with the bat, be proactive and with the ball, keep it simple.”
His opposite number, Rohit Sharma looked dejected at the loss and reflected on his team’s errors while also applauding New Zealand for seizing the initiative.
“Losing a series is never easy, something that is not easily digestible. We didn't play our best cricket, and NZ played better throughout the series. There were a lot of mistakes we made,” Rohit said.
The India captain then went on to look at how the side’s plans didn’t come off.
“The first two Tests we did not put enough runs in the first innings. This game we got the 30 runs [28] lead and the target was chaseable. We failed as a unit. When you are chasing a target like that, you want runs on the board.
“That was in my mind and it did not come of. When it does not come off it does not look great. I go in with certain plans and those did not come off this series. We did not play our best cricket in these conditions and are facing the result of that.”
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New Zealand’s middle-order batter Daryl Mitchell, whose 82 was the highest score from either side on a turning Wankhede track, could barely contain himself right after the game.
“Seriously special to win a Test match here but also to win a series. Something you dream of but to come here and achieve against a world-class Indian team.”
His first innings 82 was followed by a crucial 21 in the second innings that stitched a 50-run stand for New Zealand, who eventually ended at 174 in the second dig.
Mitchell lauded New Zealand’s measured approach on a trying wicket for their win in Mumbai.
“We saw the surface is turning big and knew in our second innings how challenging it was. We wanted to survive as long as we could and wanted to land the ball in the right areas and wait for our chances. We are just a bunch of Kiwis taking on the world and are proud of doing so.”
After New Zealand had set India a target of 147 in the second innings, the spinners led by Ajaz Patel kept them in the game. However, Rishabh Pant’s enterprising 64 brought India back.
Ajaz, whose 11/160 in the game won him the Player of the Match award, reflected on the Pant wicket, when India were at 106/6, as an important turning point.
“Spin bowling is about rhythm. When you are in rhythm it is about making the most of it, taking it by the horns and helping your team.
“I felt confident even in the morning session (on day two in the first innings) but the wicket did not offer me much. After lunch, I got the confidence to toss the ball up and use my guile. Pant has batted phenomenally throughout the series, I had to think out of the box and made sure to come up with a new plan and stay ahead of him."
After Pant’s wicket, India’s tail resisted briefly before the innings folded for 121.
New Zealand’s win bolsters their hopes for a second WTC final, whereas India will need to pick the pieces up ahead of a challenging Australia tour.