New Zealand achieved a landmark victory by sweeping India 3-0 in their Test series, clinching a tense 25-run win on the third day of the final Test at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on November 3. This marked India’s first-ever home series clean sweep in a Test series of three or more matches since their 2-0 defeat to South Africa in 2000.
This triumph was particularly significant for New Zealand, who had never won a Test series in India and hadn’t secured a single Test victory there for 36 years until their initial win in Bengaluru earlier in the series. Reflecting on the achievement, New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell, who scored a crucial 82 in the first innings, described the moment as a dream come true, accentuating the pride in overcoming a formidable Indian side on their own turf.
India, set a target of 147 to chase, were bowled out for 121 in the afternoon session, largely due to Ajaz Patel's remarkable 6-57 performance. The hosts seemed headed for a more severe defeat after falling to 29-5, but a fighting half-century from Rishabh Pant briefly rekindled their hopes. However, Pant’s dismissal for 64 shortly after lunch, following a TV umpire's decision overturning the initial call, shifted the momentum back to New Zealand.
Pant’s departure left India in a dire position at 106-7, and they managed only 15 more runs as Patel claimed the final wickets, finishing with exceptional match figures of 11-160. Earlier in the day, New Zealand's innings had concluded at 174 after resuming at 171-9, with Ravindra Jadeja dismissing Patel to complete his own impressive match figures of 10-120.
This victory not only bolstered New Zealand's chances of making it to the World Test Championship final in June but also significantly weakened India’s prospects of qualifying for the third consecutive time.