Ajaz Spins Magic as New Zealand Sweeps India 3-0

AFP/APP

Mumbai: New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel took six wickets in a spectacular performance, leading his team to a historic 3-0 Test series victory against India with a nail-biting 25-run win in the third Test on Sunday.

This marks New Zealand’s first-ever Test series win on Indian soil and India’s first home series whitewash since South Africa’s 2-0 victory in 1999-2000.

Chasing a modest target of 147, India was bowled out for 121 in just 29.1 overs on day three at Wankhede Stadium, despite a resilient 64 from Rishabh Pant. Ajaz secured the final wicket, dismissing Washington Sundar for 12, igniting jubilant celebrations among the Black Caps for their hard-fought triumph.

Ajaz, a Mumbai-born New Zealander who famously claimed all 10 wickets in a Test innings at this venue in 2021, ended the match with 11 wickets.

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New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Ajaz, tore into India’s top order on a challenging, turning pitch. Fast bowler Matt Henry dismissed Indian captain Rohit Sharma early, setting the tone as Ajaz claimed key wickets, including Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, who managed just one run before being caught at slip.

India was quickly reduced to 29-5 before Pant revived hopes with a gritty half-century. However, Ajaz had Pant caught behind, with the decision upheld after a TV review showed a faint edge. Glenn Phillips and Ajaz cleaned up the remaining wickets, sealing a remarkable series sweep for New Zealand.

Earlier, India bowled out New Zealand for 174 in their second innings, with Ravindra Jadeja taking five wickets. Despite their efforts, the New Zealand bowlers proved too strong, securing a memorable and historic Test series victory for the Black Caps.