In a thrilling encounter, New Zealand triumphed over India by 25 runs in the final Test of the series at the Wankhede Stadium, marking an unprecedented whitewash of the Indian team at home in a series of three matches or more. The visitors showcased their resilience and tactical astuteness, overcoming a challenging start and successfully defending a target of 146 runs, largely thanks to the impressive bowling performances of Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips.
New Zealand began their innings sluggishly, tallying just 235 runs in their first outing, with notable contributions coming from Mitchell's 82 runs and Young's 71 runs. Indian bowlers Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar commanded the bowling attack, claiming five and four wickets, respectively. The Indian batting lineup initially responded effectively, compiling a total of 263 runs in their first innings, with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant leading the way with scores of 90 and 60 runs, respectively. However, the Indian second innings was marked by a sharp decline in performance, where they could only manage 121 runs.
The batting collapse was spearheaded by Ajaz Patel, who delivered a remarkable bowling display, concluding the match with figures of six for 57 in the second innings and an overall match haul of eleven wickets. His efforts on Indian soil have solidified his reputation as an elite bowler, making him the most successful visiting bowler in a single match at this venue. On the other hand, Phillips played a pivotal role in the bowling department, contributing significantly by claiming three crucial wickets.
Rishabh Pant's fighting spirit shone through amidst the collapse, as he played a commanding innings in the second innings, scoring a brisk 64 runs off just 57 balls. His performance exhibited a rare blend of tenacity and audacity, as he propelled the scorers after India found themselves in a precarious position at 29 for five. Pant's aggressive batting style and innovative shot-making attempted to shift the momentum in India's favor, taking the team from 29 for five to a considerable 106 for six. However, the turning point came with a highly debated Decision Review System (DRS) intervention that saw Pant’s dismissal, ultimately impacting India’s quest for victory.
The contentious DRS review for Pant’s dismissal raised eyebrows among fans and players alike. The on-field umpire ruled him not out after initially adjudging a bat-pad catch off Ajaz, but the third umpire’s decision to overturn the call added to the tension of the match. Although there was a suggestion of a sound associated with the edge, the final call ultimately relied on an interpretation of UltraEdge, showcasing the contentious nature of DRS calls in cricket.
Despite the disappointment for Pant, the standout bowler of the match was undoubtedly Ajaz Patel, who had a remarkable turnaround in the third Test. After struggling in previous matches, Ajaz found his rhythm at a critical juncture. His effective bowling changed the course of the game, asserting his explosive presence as the Indian batsmen struggled to cope with his accuracy and variations. Ajaz efficiently utilized the conditions, maintaining a probing line and length, which frequently forced the Indian batsmen into errors.
As the Indian batting lineup faltered, it became evident that their struggle was compounded by a series of poor shot selections and an inability to adapt to the bowling attack. Shubman Gill, despite having contributed well in the first innings, misjudged a delivery that took out his off stump. Virat Kohli succumbed to pressure, edging a catch to slip, demonstrating that even the most experienced of players found themselves in a bind against the disciplined New Zealand bowling.
The lower-order collapse for India was also highlighted by Ravindra Jadeja's dismissal, whose impressive all-round contributions included a match-haul of ten wickets. His dismissal after getting an inside edge from a delivery that turned sharply, underscored the difficulties faced on a pitch that increasingly supported the bowlers. Likewise, Sarfaraz Khan’s two-ball innings epitomized the team’s struggle at that moment.
On the bowling front, New Zealand’s strategy to exploit the conditions reaped dividends. The opening bowlers, particularly Matt Henry and Phillips, executed their plans flawlessly. Phillips performed exceptionally as a second spinner, showcasing his ability to maintain pressure and take crucial wickets at pivotal moments. The momentum of New Zealand shifted after Pant's dismissal, leaving India unable to consolidate their position as the match approached its conclusion.
Rishabh Pant's valiant efforts to steer India through a treacherous patch earn him recognition as he continuously looked for boundary options while maintaining a sense of urgency in the chase. His initial aggression stoked the hopes of fans, but the loss of wickets in regular intervals snatched victory from their grasp.
As the match concluded, New Zealand's remarkable achievement was underscored by Ajaz Patel's final wicket that sealed a win against India, showcasing an extraordinary display of skill and gladiatorial spirit against one of cricket's formidable teams in their home conditions. The memories from this series will linger in the historical annals of cricket, paving the way for future encounters between these two competitive sides.