IND-NZ Test Series: This series result must be the first New Zealand Test series victory over the Indians. Cricket victory so big it sends shocks as far as 15,000 km through New Zealand to the opposite corner of the globe. Well-deserved for them – given a chance to overcome 14 games on the trot.
A tough loss for #TeamIndia in Pune.
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 26, 2024
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/YVjSnKCtlI #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/PlU9iJpGih
New Zealand had gone into this series as heavy underdogs, especially after losing 0-2 against Sri Lanka and with what can be termed a pretty inexperienced lineup. New skipper Tom Latham is the only one besides the 32-test veteran in the team, Tim Southee, who played against India.
It was a rather unexpected fashion, New Zealand took the series with a match to spare and won in jubilant style. It is an important moment for New Zealand cricket but perhaps one that reformulates the story itself for any future World Test Championship contenders.
Visiting Teams Winning A Test Series In India
England (5-times, last in 2012/13)
West Indies (5-times, last in 1983/84)
Australia (4-times, last in 2004/05)
Pakistan (1986/87)
South Africa (1999/00)
New Zealand (2024/25)
With the series loss, India’s impressive streak of 18 consecutive bilateral home series victories has come to an end the longest in history.
What Captains Had To Say
Tom Latham | NZ Captain:
“It’s a truly special feeling, and I’m proud to be in this position. This was a whole team effort, showcasing how everyone contributed. When we come here, we aim to put our best foot forward, and starting strong with runs was crucial. I have to highlight Mitch Santner; he was outstanding. He’s been with the group for a long time, and it’s great to see him get this opportunity and bowl so well.
We focused on sticking to our basics and playing a long game. Both pitches were different, and we adapted well. The strategy we employed last night to take the initiative worked effectively. GP’s performance this morning was vital. We anticipated India would start aggressively, but we managed to take key wickets during the middle session. Those last two wickets took a while, but Tim’s catch brought us immense joy.”
Significant dates ✍🏼
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 26, 2024
The team's first EVER Test series victory in India. Scorecard | https://t.co/KgzR4y6Spp #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/dvtZ710b0X
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Rohit Sharma | India Captain:
“It’s disappointing and not what we expected. Credit to New Zealand; they outplayed us. We failed to seize key moments and respond to the challenges. We didn’t score enough runs, which is essential to win—while taking 20 wickets is important, our batters need to put runs on the board. It was commendable to restrict them to around 250, but we knew it would be tough. They started strong at 200/3, so our effort to bowl them out for 259 was notable.
The pitch didn’t offer much assistance, and we didn’t bat well enough. If we had come closer in the first innings, things might have turned out differently. We aim to perform well at Wankhede and secure a win. This is a collective failure; I won’t blame just the batters or bowlers. We will return with better intent, strategies, and methods at Wankhede.”
Player Of The Match: Mitchell Santner (13 wickets)
“Felt a little harder this time. Credit to India for the way they came out. That was the best way on that wicket. We were just hanging in. My side’s a bit sore. 20-odd overs in a row. I guess in that kind of situation you just want to keep going. Everytime I got a wicket it felt a little better. Nice to contribute to the team.
Winning a series over here is very tough. Obviously very pleasing for us. Everytime you take wickets you feel confident. Landing the ball in the same spot all the time with little changes in pace – that’s what we try and do as a spin unit”.
Brief Scores: New Zealand 259 and 255 (Tom Latham 86; Washington Sundar 4-56, Ravindra Jadeja 3-72) Beat India 156 and 245 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 77, Ravindra Jadeja 42; Mitchell Santner 6-104) by 112 runs
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