Ind vs NZ: A Historic Test Series Overview

The Ind vs NZ Test series in 2024 has become a significant chapter in cricket history. New Zealand achieved a stunning 3-0 series victory against India, marking the first time India has been whitewashed at home in Test cricket. This outcome is particularly shocking given India’s strong reputation as a dominant force in home conditions.

Series Breakdown

The series consisted of three Tests played between October and November 2024. Here’s a brief overview of each match:

First Test (Bengaluru): New Zealand won by 8 wickets. India was bowled out for just 46 runs, their third-lowest score ever. Rachin Ravindra scored a remarkable 134 runs, leading New Zealand to a commanding position.

Second Test (Pune): New Zealand secured victory by 113 runs. Despite Washington Sundar’s impressive bowling performance, India’s batting lineup faltered again, unable to chase down a modest target.

Third Test (Mumbai): In a dramatic finale, New Zealand triumphed by 25 runs. Chasing a target of 147, India collapsed to just 121 runs. Ajaz Patel’s exceptional bowling performance sealed the series for New Zealand.

Key Performers

New Zealand’s success can be attributed to several standout players:

• Ajaz Patel: The spin bowler was instrumental throughout the series, taking 11 wickets in the final Test alone and earning the Player of the Match title.
• Rachin Ravindra: The young batsman emerged as a key player for New Zealand, scoring 256 runs across the series and showcasing his talent on Indian soil.

For India, Rishabh Pant was a lone warrior in the final Test, scoring 64 runs amidst a batting collapse that saw the team lose five wickets for just 16 runs early in their innings.

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The Downfall of India

The Ind vs NZ series exposed significant flaws within the Indian team:

• Batting Collapse: India’s batting lineup, once considered formidable, crumbled under pressure. Key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggled to perform consistently. Kohli managed only 93 runs across five innings, while Sharma’s leadership came under scrutiny following poor personal performances.
• Strategic Missteps: India attempted to exploit home conditions by preparing spinning tracks. However, this strategy backfired as New Zealand adapted quickly and effectively countered India’s spin attack.
• Mental Pressure: The weight of expectations seemed to affect the players. The atmosphere surrounding the team shifted from confidence to despair as they faced mounting criticism from fans and analysts alike.

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Looking Ahead

This historic defeat raises questions about India’s future performance, especially with an upcoming five-match series against Australia. The team will need to regroup and address their shortcomings if they hope to regain their status as a cricketing powerhouse.

In conclusion, the Ind vs NZ series of 2024 will be remembered not only for New Zealand’s remarkable achievement but also for India’s unexpected downfall. As both teams move forward, it will be crucial for India to learn from this experience and rebuild their confidence ahead of future challenges.

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