As India prepares to face New Zealand in the third Test at Wankhede Stadium, it’s worth reflecting on their last encounter at this venue. The match took place in December 2021 and was a significant one for the Indian team.
India’s Dominant Performance
In the final Test of the series, India and New Zealand had already played a drawn Test in Kanpur. Winning the toss, India opted to bat first, which initially seemed to work in their favor. The opening pair of Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill set the tone with an 80-run partnership before Gill fell to Ajaz Patel.
Ajaz made history by becoming the third bowler ever to take all 10 wickets in a Test innings, joining the ranks of Jim Laker and Anil Kumble. Despite the middle-order collapse with Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli both going for zero, Agarwal’s resilience shone through. He scored a stellar 150 runs off 311 balls, supported by Axar Patel’s half-century, leading India to a total of 325 runs.
New Zealand’s Struggles
New Zealand’s response was disastrous. They were bowled out for just 62 runs, handing India a massive 265-run lead. Ravichandran Ashwin was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets and leaving the Black Caps reeling.
In their second innings, India continued to assert their dominance. Agarwal contributed again with 62 runs, while Pujara (47), Gill (47), and Axar Patel (41*) helped set a daunting declaration at 276/7, setting New Zealand a mammoth target of 540.
The Final Nail in the Coffin
Chasing such a monumental target, New Zealand faced early setbacks, losing key wickets, including that of Tom Latham for a duck and Ross Taylor for just 6 runs. Daryl Mitchell (66) and Henry Nicholls (44) showed some resistance, but ultimately, the visitors were all out for 167 runs.
India’s victory by 372 runs marked their biggest win by runs at that time, showcasing their dominance in the match. This victory not only sealed the series for India but also reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Test rankings.
Key Highlights
- Ravichandran Ashwin’s Milestone: He celebrated his 300th Test wicket on home soil and was named Player of the Series for his remarkable contributions, claiming 14 wickets in the series.
- Historic Match: This match highlighted India’s exceptional bowling attack and marked a significant moment in Ashwin’s career, further solidifying his legacy in Indian cricket.
As the upcoming Test unfolds, India will be looking to recapture some of that magic from their last performance at Wankhede against a formidable New Zealand side.
