In a historic feat, the New Zealand cricket team defeated India by 24 runs in the third and final Test match held in Mumbai. This victory was far more than just a routine win; it marked a rare and exceptional moment in Indian cricket history. With this triumph, New Zealand completed a 3-0 whitewash against India in the three-match Test series, securing their first-ever Test series victory on Indian soil. For Indian cricket in early 2024, this defeat came as a significant setback, as India had managed to avoid such a home defeat for a prolonged period.
How New Zealand Secured This Historic Win
The third and decisive match of the series took place at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, where New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first. In the opening innings, New Zealand scored 235 runs, while India responded with a total of 263 runs, gaining a slight lead of 28 runs. New Zealand then managed to score 174 runs in their second innings, setting a target of 147 runs for India. However, the Indian team faltered and was bowled out for just 121 runs, resulting in a 24-run victory for New Zealand and a 3-0 clean sweep in the series.
Ajaz Patel’s Vital Role in New Zealand’s Series Win
New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel was instrumental in this historic victory, taking six wickets in India’s second innings and dismantling their batting order. His remarkable performance earned him the “Player of the Match” award. Ajaz’s sharp bowling made it incredibly challenging for the Indian batsmen to settle at the crease. Although Rishabh Pant managed to contribute 64 runs in India’s second innings, the rest of the batting lineup fell short.
Ajaz Patel’s outstanding bowling performance not only led New Zealand to this historic win but also established him as a key figure in New Zealand’s cricket history.
Only the Second Home Whitewash for India in Test History
This defeat marks only the second time in Indian cricket history that the team has suffered a Test series whitewash at home. The first instance dates back to 2000 when South Africa defeated India 2-0 in a two-match series. However, New Zealand’s victory in 2024 took it a step further, as they won all three matches in the series – the first time India has faced a 3-0 whitewash at home. This victory was not only significant for New Zealand but also a remarkable achievement in the world of cricket.
Absence of Kane Williamson and Tom Latham’s Leadership Skills
One noteworthy aspect of this series was that New Zealand achieved this victory without their star player and regular captain, Kane Williamson. In his absence, Tom Latham took on the responsibility of captaincy for the first time and displayed exceptional leadership skills. Latham steered the team with remarkable composure, presenting them as a formidable unit. His captaincy played a crucial role in leading New Zealand to an extraordinary win against a strong Indian side.