Cricket world stunned as New Zealand clean sweep India in historic scenes

New Zealand have left the cricket world stunned after doing what many believed was unthinkable against India in India.

New Zealand have made cricket history in India, completing a stunning series cleansweep in their three-match Test series.

It’s the first time since India have lost in a clean sweep at home since South Africa in early 2000, but because that was a two-match series, it’s the first time ever that India have lost every match of a three-match series at home.

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Incredibly, this was New Zealand’s first ever series win on Indian soil, and snaps an 18-series streak of wins for India, with their last loss coming in a 2-1 series defeat to England in late 2012.

And before this series, New Zealand hadn’t won against India in India since 1988, a run of 19 Tests between wins.

After claiming an eight-wicket win in Game 1 and 113 run victory in Game 2, India looked like they had finally cracked the Black Caps in Mumbai.

India took a 28-run lead into the second innings, before bowling New Zealand out for just 174, leaving India needing 147 runs to win.

But in a tricky chase on a turning pitch, India were reduced to 5/29 as New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel tore the heart out of India.

Ajaz Patel has done the damage. Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP

He finished with six wickets in the innings as the Black Caps bowled India out for just 121 in 29.1 overs to seal a thrilling 25-run win.

Ajaz ended up with 11 wickets for the match after figures of 5/103 in the first innings, taking 6/57 in the second.

While Rishabh Pant hit a 57-ball 64, he was the only real resistance as only Rohit Sharma (11) and Washington Sundar (12) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures.

When Ajaz bowled Sundar for the final wicket, he roared in delight as the Black Caps celebrated victory.

Mumbai-born New Zealander Ajaz ended with a match-haul of 11 wickets, at a venue where he created history by claiming all 10 wickets in a Test innings in 2021.

“It’s seriously special … it’s something you dream of,” New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell said after the win.

“We’re just a bunch of Kiwis taking on the world and very proud to represent our country.”

Who would have picked this? Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP

The reaction was swift as the cricket world came to terms with the historic result.

Cricket reporter Bharat Sundaresan tweeted: “Yeah why not @BLACKCAPS. Don’t win a single Test in India for 36 years and then casually whitewash them 3-0. One of the most remarkable results in Test cricket history.”

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan wrote: “To win in India is incredible but to deliver a clean sweep is remarkable … has to be the greatest ever Test series victory … India now have a group of Batters that struggle like most teams against Spin.”

Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga posted: “A once in a lifetime kind of win for New Zealand! From being whitewashed in Sri Lanka to whitewashing India, just WOW. What a turnaround by the Kiwis!

“A historic moment in New Zealand cricket history!”

Former New Zealand star Mitchell McClenaghan added: “Arguably @BLACKCAPS best win of all time. Unbelievable.”

West Indian great Ian Bishop commented: “Amazing from New Zealand. A population of less than 6 million. No Kane Williamson. They have conquered an unenviable task, and both men’s and women’s teams have had a historic and proud few weeks.”

Former Aussie quick Damien Fleming said: “What were the odds pre series Kiwis have beaten India 3 Tests to 0. Makes the Test championship very interesting.”

In a series dominated by the spinners, India were embarrassed on home soil with the likes of Virat Kohli (93 runs at 15.50) and Rohit Sharma (91 runs at 15.16) highlighting the side’s batting struggles.

Sharma had no excuses for the horror performance.

“We didn’t play our best cricket. We know that and we accept that,” he said.

“New Zealand played better than us throughout the series.

“As a captain as well, I was not at my best in leading the team.

“Collectively as unit, we failed to perform.”

India have to turn it around quick. Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP

The result is a near disaster for India who start their five-match series in Australia on November 22.

The 3-0 whitewash has also shaken up the World Test Championship standings.

Heading into the series, it looked like India were in the box seat to claim their place in a third straight Test decider.

But after the shocking loss, India have now dropped to second on the WTC ladder behind Australia, with the side needing to win four from five against Australia to ensure a spot in the final.

Otherwise, they will be relying on other results to go their way.

While India have just one series remaining, Australia play both India and a two-match away series against Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka, who are third in the rankings, have two-match series’ against South Africa (away) and Australia (home).

The fourth placed New Zealand face England in three Tests at home, while the fifth placed South Africa host both Sri Lanka and Pakistan in two-match series’.

The final takes place in June 2025 at Lord’s in England.