Mumbai (Maharashtra): Rishabh Pant's gritty half-century went in vain as India suffered an embarrassing whitewash at home for the first time in 92 years of history of Test cricket against New Zealand as the visitors emerged triumphant by 25 runs in the third and final Test at Wankhede Stadium here on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
It seemed that India's hope of averting a humiliating 0-3 whitewash at home for the first time would be successful after Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja slightly recovered India from another batting collapse as they were reeling at 29 for 5 in pursuit of 147, the second highest run chase at Wankhede stadium by any team. Washington Sunder also gave a strong fight in the end, but it wasn't enough to help India cross the finishing line. India's only and best-run chase at this venue was 51 against England in 2000.
First time India have been whitewashed in a home series of three or more Tests at home. New Zealand also scripted history by becoming the first team to notch a 3-0 series win in India. It is the first time that the India team has been clean swept in a three-match series. The last time India suffered a whitewash was in 2000 when it lost 0-2 to South Africa.
New Zealand became the fourth side to whitewash India in a series of 3+ Tests after England (4), Australia (3), and West Indies (once). This is also the first-ever instance of New Zealand winning three Tests in a series home or away and the first three ever they have won three successive away Tests.