New Delhi: In the aftermath of New Zealand's remarkable 3-0 series victory over India, former England cricketer Michael Vaughan has extended his commendations to the Kiwis, describing their triumph as the "greatest Test series win."
During the third match of the Test series, Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips unleashed a formidable spin attack on Indian batsmen, as the Kiwis secured a 25-run victory, becoming the first visiting team to whitewash India in a series spanning three or more matches.
India commenced the series on a less-than-stellar note following a devastating eight-wicket defeat by New Zealand in Bengaluru. In the third match in Pune, Rohit Sharma's leadership saw India attempt a comeback in the three-match series, yet the hosts were unable to overcome the Kiwis, losing by 113 runs.
Utilizing his official X handle, Vaughan expressed his admiration for New Zealand's performance, while also critiquing the Indian batsmen's approach against spinners.
"To secure a victory in India is extraordinary, but to achieve a clean sweep is truly remarkable ... has to be the greatest Test series victory ... India now face a challenge in dealing with spin bowling," Vaughan stated on X.
In the Mumbai Test, India was tasked with chasing a target of 147 runs, yet found themselves five down at 29 runs. However, a valiant half-century by Rishabh Pant (64 in 57 balls, with nine fours and a six) helped keep India in contention. Following his dismissal, India struggled to maintain their position and were ultimately dismissed for 121 runs.
Ajaz Patel (6/57) delivered a memorable six-wicket haul, while Glenn Phillips (3/42) was effective with the ball, securing crucial wickets.
In the previous match, the Kiwis were dismissed for 174, with a five-wicket haul from Jadeja (5/55) and strategic bowling from Ravichandran Ashwin (3/62). The highlight of the New Zealand innings came from Will Young, who scored a 51 in 100 balls, including two fours and a six, making it the standout moment of the Kiwis' first innings total of 235 runs. The Kiwis maintained a 146-run lead over India, who were then required to score 263 runs in their second innings to respond to New Zealand's first innings total.
In the initial phase of the match, India had secured a commanding lead of 28 runs over New Zealand. At one juncture, India found themselves at 84/4, yet a remarkable partnership of 96 runs between Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant (achieving 60 in 59 balls, notable for eight fours and two sixes) facilitated India's resurgence. Gill's performance was particularly noteworthy, scoring a memorable 90 runs in 146 balls, which included seven fours and a six. Similarly, Washington Sundar contributed significantly with a score of 38 runs in 36 balls, achieving four boundaries and two sixes, which significantly advanced India's position to 263.
Ajaz Patel emerged as the standout bowler for the Kiwis, taking 5 wickets for 103 runs. Phillips, Ish Sodhi, and Matt Henry each claimed a wicket.
In response to the New Zealand first innings, the Kiwis, having won the toss, chose to bat. Despite the dominance of spinners Jadeja (5/65) and Sundar (4/81) in the early stages, the innings saw notable contributions from Will Young (71 runs in 138 balls, notable for four boundaries and two sixes) and Daryl Mitchell (82 runs in 129 balls, notable for three fours and three sixes), pushing New Zealand to a score of 235. A standout partnership between Young and Mitchell of 87 runs was instrumental in New Zealand's achievement of a respectable score.
