New Zealand etched their name in cricket history by becoming the first team to whitewash India in a home Test series. In a thrilling final Test match in Mumbai, New Zealand secured a narrow 25-run victory on Day 3 to clinch the series 3-0.

Chasing a modest target of 147 runs, India’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, ultimately getting bowled out for 121. Ajaz Patel delivered a stellar performance, claiming six wickets in the second innings to add to his five-wicket haul from the first innings, finishing the match with an impressive 11 wickets. Off-spinner Glenn Phillips provided valuable support with three crucial wickets. This victory solidified Patel’s reputation at this venue, where he famously took ten wickets in a single innings back in 2021.

Rishabh Pant was the lone fighter for India, scoring a brisk 64 off 57 balls on a pitch that had started to turn sharply. Pant had previously scored 60 runs in the first innings, but the rest of the batting order failed to support him. India’s top order collapsed early, reeling at 29/5, with no other batter managing to score above 15.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand’s second innings was wrapped up quickly, with the last two wickets adding only three runs to the overnight score of 171/9. Will Young had played a pivotal role in the second innings, scoring a composed 51 off 100 balls to help New Zealand post a competitive total. For India, Ravindra Jadeja led the bowling attack with five wickets, securing a ten-wicket haul in the match, while Ravichandran Ashwin took three wickets.

The previous day, India had taken the upper hand with a lead, thanks to strong performances by Shubman Gill, who scored 90, and Rishabh Pant’s quick-fire 60 on a challenging pitch. Washington Sundar chipped in with a resilient 38 not out, hitting four boundaries and two sixes, which gave India a slim lead and set up an exciting final day.

New Zealand’s victory was built on consistent performances by their batsmen and bowlers. In the first innings, they reached 235 runs, aided by half-centuries from Will Young and Daryl Mitchell. Jadeja and Washington Sundar dominated with the ball, claiming five and four wickets, respectively.

This historic win for New Zealand is not only a significant achievement in their cricketing journey but also a rare feat against a formidable Indian team on home soil.