T’was their series. New Zealand came to India for a 3-test series, from 16th October 24 to the 5th of November 24, and achieved what their predecessors couldn’t. While rain eluded many parts of this series, NZ outplayed India in every sense. The Black Caps’ triumph is a witness to their resilience, strategy, and young talent of cricketers who can take the game to unprecedented heights.
This was a defining moment for the Black Caps, but at the same time a reminder for the Indian test team, to take a step back and refresh their game.
Moving Further, let us understand different parts of the game. Starting with the key moments that defined New Zealand’s success, what this means for the Indian cricket team, and what this victory means for the future of the team and cricket in New Zealand.
The Context
Every team that has toured India for a test series, have found it astonishingly difficult to make their mark. Every cricket ground ever has long been a fortress for the Indian national cricket team. Over the years, few teams have managed to challenge India on their home turf, particularly in the longer format of the game, but have miserably failed. New Zealand’s previous attempts at winning a Test series in India had always ended in frustration.
Their last test series in India victory came back in 1988. When they won 1-0 under the leadership of the legendary captain, Martin Crowe. Since then, every attempt to reach that success ended in defeat or a draw.
Under the leadership of Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket team became extremely dominant home and away, with a formidable batting lineup backed by a strong spin department, such as Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, alongside other Indian bowlers, made India a reckoning force. Furthermore, New Zealand’s victory in the 2024 Test series has changed that narrative, giving them a fresh outlook on their cricketing credentials.
Key Moments of the Series
The First Test
Indian national cricket team, coming off their recent domination in home Test cricket, were the favorites to win, but New Zealand’s tactical approach soon proved that they were more than up for the challenge. The first Test of the series was played in the southern city of Bangalore at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. It was expected to be a closely contested encounter, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses in the subcontinent conditions.
The pitch at Bangalore was expected to assist spinners, but New Zealand’s openers showed remarkable composure in the face of India’s powerful spin attack. Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway’s contribution was the foundation on which the Kiwis built their first-innings total. Ravindra, in particular, was outstanding, he went on to hit 134 after the openers had set the stage. India, on the other hand, struggled to cope with the swinging conditions, and Matt Henry led a disciplined attack to bowl them out for a mere 46 runs in the first innings.
The second inning for the Indian cricket team was a Sarfaraz Khan show, putting up a counter-attack by scoring 151 runs. Followed by Rohit Sharma with a score of 52 runs before being bowled out by Ajaz Patel, Virat Kohli stitching a partnership with Sarfarz Khan towards what could have been his 81st test century, instead was caught behind by Tom Bundell, after hitting 70 of 102 balls, and a brilliant 99 by Rishabh Pant, before getting out by an inside edge, bowled by William O’Rourke.
As India looked steady and ready to give it back to the Kiwis, it was time to hit the new ball, bowled by William O’Rourke, which turned the face of the Indian innings, the duo of O’Rourke and Matt Henry, bowled India out for 462 runs. Giving the Kiwis a target of 107 runs, making it easy for them to pull the win with Youngs 48 and Rachins 39 followed by Conways 17 runs.
The Second Test
The Indian national cricket team was expected to come back from their previous loss, with Ashwin and Jadeja at the helm of the spin attack. Because of spin-friendly conditions at the MCAS. However, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first. India managed to restrict the New Zealand batsman at 259/10, the star of the show wasn’t Jadeja or Ashwin, it was Washington Sundar who claimed a 7-wicket haul against the strongest batting line, Ashwin picked up 3 and that was it from the Kiwis in the first innings.
Talking about a disappointing start, Rohit got out on a 9-ball duck, bowled by Tim Southee. With him gone, Subhuman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal tried to stabilize the innings with 30 runs each, before Santner broke this partnership with an LBW. It was a Santner show at the MCAS, with 7 wickets in the first innings and 6 in the second – he fulfilled what New Zealand wanted to achieve. Thus, winning the series in India, after 36 years!
The Third Test
Facing their first series loss at home- the Indian national cricket team, reached Mumbai for the 3rd and final test. New Zealand, after winning the toss, opted to bat first on a pitch that provided moderate assistance to bowlers. Daryl Mitchell spearheaded the batting with a resilient 82 off 129 deliveries, ably supported by Tom Latham and Will Young. Despite losing wickets consistently, New Zealand managed to post a competitive total of 235 in their first innings. Ravindra Jadeja shone among the Indian bowlers, taking 5/65 and containing the visiting team effectively.
In response, India’s batting lineup, which was held at the helm by Shubman Gill, made a promising start. Gill played a crucial role with a well-crafted 90, but the rest of the Indian batsmen struggled against the spin duo of Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner. Ajaz excelled with figures of 5/103, restricting India to a narrow lead as they were bundled out for 263.
The third Test between India and New Zealand in Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium concluded the series with a closely contested match reflecting the determination of both teams. New Zealand clinched victory by 25 runs, achieving a remarkable 3-0 series whitewash over India.
The New Zealand Approach: Discipline and Strategy
What made New Zealand’s triumph truly remarkable was its determination to adjust and outwit the Indian national cricket team in its conditions. Traditionally recognized for their robust team ethos and disciplined approach rather than individual star power, New Zealand showcased exceptional collective performance in this series. Kiwis maintained their composure, showing that they were not just a team of skill but of great character.
What This Victory Means for New Zealand Cricket
This momentous victory signals a significant milestone in New Zealand’s cricketing narrative. Clinching a 3-0 series victory in India, New Zealand not only broke a 36-year dry spell but also solidified its position as one of the leading teams in global cricket. This win stands as a testament to the escalating prominence of New Zealand cricket.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s 3-0 series triumph over the Indian cricket team stands as a momentous occasion in world cricket. This victory not only marks the collective 36-year-long wait but also solidifies the Black Caps’ standing as a profoundly disciplined and competitive team on the global stage.
The win deeply resonates with New Zealand cricket enthusiasts, having marked this as a remarkable feat in the era of Test cricket history. Through its robust team composition and adept leadership, New Zealand has unequivocally demonstrated its prowess, establishing itself as a formidable contender, capable of excelling even in the most challenging circumstances.
