Bunch of Kiwis doing unthinkable
Around mid-afternoon on November 3rd 2024 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, a bunch of kiwis did what some of the greatest names in Test cricket haven’t been able to achieve, becoming the first visiting team to have clean swept India, on Indian soil, by 3-0, an achievement unthinkable till date.
Magnitude of New Zealand 3-0 win
The magnitude of this series win can be understood only when we look every aspect of their win:
1. Pioneers of a 3-0 Victory in India: In a remarkable first, New Zealand has become the first team to claim a 3-0 series victory in India, a nation that has participated in Test cricket for 92 years. Before this groundbreaking series, India had contested 89 Test series without ever experiencing such a decisive loss.
2. Only the Second Team to Whitewash India on Home Soil: New Zealand stands as only the second visiting team to achieve a clean sweep against India at home, a feat last accomplished by South Africa 24 years ago in a two-Test series. This elevates New Zealand’s achievement into a rarefied echelon of cricketing history.
3. First New Zealand Team to Secure a 3-0 Sweep Anywhere: Since their debut in Test cricket in 1929, this marks the first occasion in 95 years that New Zealand has won all matches in a three-match series, thus achieving their historic first 3-0 series sweep, both at home and abroad.
4. First New Zealand Team to Win Three Consecutive Tests Outside Their Shores: This series also marks a watershed moment, as it is the first instance of any New Zealand side securing three consecutive Test victories outside of their homeland, underscoring their burgeoning prowess on the international stage.
5. Lowest Total Defended by a Visiting Team: New Zealand’s remarkable feat of defending a mere 146 runs stands as a significant achievement; it is the second lowest total ever defended in India and the lowest by any visiting team. The gravity of this accomplishment is underscored by the fact that this was India’s 294th Test match on home soil—no team has ever managed such a feat.
Greatest Test series victories: Michael Vaughan termed New Zealand’s victory the greatest triumph. While some may dispute this claim, there is no doubt that this 3-0 series win ranks among the top three greatest Test series victories in the 147-year history of Test cricket. The other two spots could be filled by anyone’s choice, but this series win is essential, particularly as it came against a side that has ruthlessly dominated the opposition over the last 12 years.
Moreover, few could have imagined that New Zealand would win a Test, let alone achieve a series victory or a clean sweep, which seemed beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.
Bangalore to Mumbai the dream that came true: Every of the victories achieved were special for the team:
1. Bengaluru ends 36 year drought: When New Zealand arrived in India, they had lost four consecutive Tests (0-2 against both Australia and Sri Lanka) and had only won two Tests out of 36 played in the country. However, they started with a bang, bowling India out for just 46 runs and then executing a flawless batting performance. They maintained their composure when faced with a challenging target of 107, especially with Jasprit Bumrah in sensational form. As a result, they won their first Test in India since 1988.
2. Pune saw 69 year old wait end: The second Test in Pune witnessed an even greater achievement. On a turning wicket, Mitchell Santner took 13 wickets, ensuring that New Zealand won the Test comfortably. While the first Test marked a personal milestone for New Zealand, the second Test represented a significant accomplishment as they ended India’s 12-year unbeaten streak in home Test series. It also meant that New Zealand secured their first Test series win in India in 69 years, with their initial series in the country dating back to 1955.
3. Mumbai – A first time 3-0 in 92 years : With each game, New Zealand took a step forward. After registering their first Test win in 36 years, their first Test series win in 70 years, and ending India’s 12-year unbeaten home record, In Mumbai, they achieved what is likely their best victory of the series. In the process, they won the series and became the first team ever to clean sweep India 3-0 in a three-Test series on Indian soil in 92 years.
Finally what does it mean to the team?
As captain Tom Latham remarked, it will take time for this monumental victory to fully sink in, but it is a triumph that New Zealanders will cherish as one of the golden moments in their sporting history—arguably the finest in their Test cricket legacy.
New Zealand’s man with new zeal Latham adeptly marshalled his troops, ensuring they remained ahead throughout the contest. Will Young emergeD as a pivotal player on this tour, serving as the cornerstone of their batting around which the team coalesced. Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra also made significant contributions at crucial moments.
Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner were instrumental in the Test victories in Pune and Mumbai, while the pace trio of Matt Henry, Tim Southee, and William O’Rourke orchestrated the win in Bengaluru.
Ultimately, it was a collective effort that will be remembered as the greatest Test series victory New Zealand has ever achieved, and likely ranks among the top three Test series wins of all time. A moment, a day, and a victory to remember….and one no one in New Zealand or one following New Zealand cricket will forget. Perhaps, for times to come!