In a stunning display of resilience and skill, New Zealand has managed to do what few thought possible — defeat Team India in a Test series on Indian soil. This impressive achievement has come at a time when the Indian cricket team is considered stronger than ever, making the Kiwis’ consecutive victories even more remarkable. New Zealand’s wins in Bangalore and Pune have handed them an unassailable lead in the three-match series, with the final Test set to take place on November 1 at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium. This match presents New Zealand with the chance to complete a historic clean sweep, while India will be desperate to restore their pride with a victory.
The Wankhede Stadium has been the setting for many memorable wins for Team India, but it hasn’t always been a fortress. Over the past 50 years, India has played 26 Test matches here, winning only 12 — less than half. The remaining matches have been split between seven draws and seven losses, which means that India has lost about 30% of their games at Wankhede. This historical inconsistency adds pressure for India, as they are determined to avoid a clean sweep on home soil, which would be their first home series loss in 12 years.
The last time India and New Zealand played a Test here was in 2021, and India emerged victorious. Yet Wankhede holds special significance for New Zealand as well. The stadium was the site of two of New Zealand cricket’s finest moments. In the 2021 match, New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel took all ten wickets in India’s first innings, becoming only the third bowler in cricket history to achieve this feat. Additionally, 36 years earlier in 1988, New Zealand recorded their last victory against India at Wankhede. With this history, New Zealand has every reason to feel confident heading into the final Test.
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With their recent victories, New Zealand has already secured the series win, but a clean sweep would be an unprecedented accomplishment. If they win in Mumbai, New Zealand will become the first team to clean sweep a three-Test series against India on their home turf. For India, however, this Test is more than just about winning; it’s about safeguarding national pride. Already facing significant criticism for the series loss, a failure to win in Mumbai could deepen the public’s disappointment and the team’s embarrassment.
The Indian team is aware of what’s at stake and will be keen to replicate their 2021 success at Wankhede. However, it won’t be easy. The current New Zealand team, bolstered by their recent wins, is playing with tremendous confidence and will likely enter the final Test with high morale and the desire to end the series on an unbeaten note.
As both teams prepare for the final showdown, the spotlight will be on whether New Zealand can rewrite history by achieving a clean sweep, or if Team India can salvage their honor and conclude the series on a high note. For Indian fans, the hope is to see their team rise to the occasion, showcasing their prowess at a stadium that has seen them both triumph and falter.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will look to draw on their past achievements at Wankhede and make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity. The third and final Test promises to be a thrilling encounter that could either cement New Zealand’s place in cricket history or give India a much-needed redemption on home soil.
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