Ajaz Patel Shines at Wankhede, New Zealand Achieves Historic Whitewash

Mumbai: An impressive bowling performance by Ajaz Patel (6-57) in the fourth innings, New Zealand defeated India by 25 runs on the third day of the final Test in Mumbai, clinching a historic 3-0 series sweep. This marks the first time India has been whitewashed in a series of three or more matches on home soil.

Pant’s Half-Century Goes in Vain, Out in Controversial Decision

Chasing a target of 147, India struggled at lunch with 92 runs for 6 wickets. At the start of the second session, with just 55 runs left to win and four wickets in hand, all hopes were pinned on Rishabh Pant (64), whose resilient knock brought India close. However, Ajaz soon shattered India’s hopes by taking Pant’s wicket on a highly contentious decision, caught behind.

Initially, on-field umpire Richard Illingworth declared Pant not out, but DRS revealed a faint edge. The third umpire faced a dilemma as it was unclear if the sound came from the bat hitting the pad or a slight edge. Usually, in such close cases, the on-field decision stands, but Paul Reiffel overturned it, leaving Pant stunned.

This was a significant blow to India. Despite Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin at the crease, the result seemed inevitable. Given the pitch conditions and India’s batting struggles, Pant needed to stay till the end. The Tamil Nadu pair tried to hold on, but Ashwin was dismissed attempting a reverse sweep off Glenn Phillips. Phillips then bowled out Akash Deep on the very next ball, leaving India at 121. Ajaz then clean-bowled Sundar on a slog sweep, sealing New Zealand’s historic victory.

Ajaz Patel took six wickets, Glenn Phillips three, and Matt Henry one.

New Zealand Sets 147-Run Target with 174 in Second Innings

Earlier, New Zealand’s second innings concluded at 174, setting a target of 147 for India. Will Young scored a solid 51, while Daryl Mitchell, David Conway, and Glenn Phillips contributed 21, 22, and 26 runs, respectively. For India, Ravindra Jadeja claimed five wickets, Ravichandran Ashwin three, and Washington Sundar and Akashdeep took one each.

India’s First Innings Ends at 263, Gill Misses Century, Pant Scores Fifty

India posted 263 in their first innings, with valuable contributions from Shubman Gill (90), Rishabh Pant (60), and Washington Sundar (38*), gaining a 28-run lead. Ajaz Patel took four wickets for New Zealand, who managed 235 in their first innings. For New Zealand, Ajaz Patel claimed five wickets, while Matt Henry, Glenn Phillips, and Ish Sodhi took one each.

New Zealand’s First Innings Wrapped Up at 235

In New Zealand’s first innings, Captain Tom Latham scored 28, Will Young made 71, and Daryl Mitchell scored a solid 82.

India’s Ravindra Jadeja took five wickets, Washington Sundar four, and Akashdeep picked up one.