IND VS NZ TESTS

Right then, that wraps up a monumental day in New Zealand's cricketing history, a series victory they will hold dear for years to come. For India, the third Test in Mumbai will not only be a fight to regain pride but also a critical chance to collect valuable World Test Championship points to stay competitive in the race. New Zealand, however, have already strengthened their own WTC campaign with this triumph and will be keen to end the tour on a high, eyeing a rare series sweep on Indian soil. The third and final Test will kick off on Friday, November 1, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The first ball is scheduled for 4 am GMT but you can join us early for all the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!

Mitchell Santner is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for taking 13 wickets in the game. He acknowledges that the second innings was particularly challenging, commending India’s fight and Jaiswal’s determined performance. Despite feeling sore after bowling 20 overs, Santner pushed through for his team, finding that each wicket boosted his energy and confidence. He expresses joy in contributing to New Zealand’s historic win in India as a pleasant feeling. Santner also reflects on the importance of maintaining consistency, placing the ball in the right spot, and varying pace to keep the pressure on.

The captain of New Zealand, Tom Latham says that this is a really special feeling and he is proud to be in this position. Feels that this was a clear example of everyone standing up at different times. Shares that in challenging conditions like these, you always want to compete and put the best foot forward. Adds that after the win in Bengaluru, the talk was about staying level and focusing on this game. Says that putting runs on the board in the first innings was important and lauds Mitchell Santner for the way he bowled. Tells that they knew India were going to come out hot but didn't realise they were going to come that hot. Ends by saying that those last two wickets took an age but they were all really happy when Southee took the last catch,

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, expresses disappointment after the team’s loss, admitting it was not the result they anticipated. He credits New Zealand for outplaying India and acknowledges that his side missed key moments to capitalize. Sharma notes that India’s batting in both innings fell short and that scoring runs is essential to support the bowlers in taking 20 wickets. He praises the fightback that restricted New Zealand to under 260 but admits India struggled under constant pressure. Looking ahead, he emphasizes a collective team effort and vows to bring improved plans and execution for the Wankhede Test.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

Glenn Phillips is in for a chat. He expresses his immense pride as New Zealand achieve a historic victory in India, describing it as indescribable. He acknowledges the long-standing challenge of winning against India on their home soil and is thrilled that their efforts have finally paid off. Phillips notes the difficulty of adapting to Indian conditions, emphasizing how proud the team feels of their accomplishment. He also commends a standout performance, referring to Santner's golden run and remarking that everything he touched turned into gold, which was pivotal in securing this remarkable win.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja got together in their quest to arrest the slide and as the ball aged, batting appeared slightly more manageable in the third session. However, New Zealand knew that they were always one error away from breaking the partnership. Mitchell Santner's persistence paid off when he skillfully coaxed Ashwin into an error to open one end up for his side. Despite Jadeja’s attempts to shield the tail by expertly farming the strike, New Zealand were able to wrap up the win. After his sensational 7-wicket haul in the first innings, Mitchell Santner wreaked havoc once again in the second, claiming 6 more wickets to finish with an extraordinary 13-wicket match haul.

Earlier on Day 3, India showed great intent with a spirited bowling effort, wrapping up New Zealand's innings within the first hour. The visitors added only 57 runs to their overnight total, setting India a target of 359. In response, Yashasvi Jaiswal set the tone right from the start, attacking the spinners to prevent them from finding any rhythm. He was supported by Shubman Gill, who played more cautiously but remained proactive. However, Jaiswal's dismissal saw a shift in momentum, with the incoming batters retreating into their shells. This cautious approach allowed Mitchell Santner to settle in, and he capitalized on it by running through the Indian middle order to put New Zealand firmly back in control.

While it was Sundar on the opening day for India, Mitchell Santner performed the Sundar role for New Zealand with a maiden five-wicket haul. India's frailties against spin were visible and a collapse that has been far too familiar in the series ensued. Courtesy of 7 wickets from Santner, the hosts were rolled over for 156 after being 50/1 at one point. Riding the wave of a 103-run lead, New Zealand drove home the advantage with Tom Latham being the standout and others batting around him to extend the lead to 301 by the end of Day 2.

As for India, they have been thoroughly outplayed and outclassed in all three facets of the game, and this series defeat will undoubtedly sting. While there were moments of brilliance across the two Tests, the team struggled to come together as a cohesive unit when it mattered most. Earlier in the Test, the toss fell New Zealand's way and Tom Latham had no hesitation to bat first. It was always going to be a crucial toss to win on a expectedly slow turner with the pitch getting tougher to bat as the game progressed. The visitors had an encouraging start on the back of fifties from Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. Brought into the side for this Test, Washington Sundar triggered a collapse with a maiden 5-fer as the Kiwis slipped from 197/3 to be bundled out for 259, losing 7 wickets for 62 runs.

The fortress has been breached! New Zealand have made history, becoming the first touring side to win a Test series on Indian soil since 2012. They have ended India’s remarkable 18-series unbeaten streak at home. Few would have expected the Kiwis to halt India’s dominance, especially after their struggles in Sri Lanka before coming here. It’s been a memorable last few days for New Zealand cricket - first, the drought-breaking win in Bengaluru, where they clinched a Test victory in India after 36 years, followed by Sophie Devine and her team capturing their maiden T20 World Cup title. Now, in Pune, Tom Latham and his squad have accomplished what no New Zealand side has ever done - securing a Test series win on Indian soil.

OUT! CAUGHT! Tim Southee takes a good running catch and New Zealand create history! Ajaz Patel flights the ball up on the line of the stumps and Ravindra Jadeja dances down the track and launches the ball flat to the left of Tim Southee at long on. Tim covers the ground well and snaffles the ball with both his hands and runs with joy. India are bundled out for 245 runs in the second innings, losing the game by a margin of 113 runs.

OUT! CAUGHT! Tim Southee takes a good running catch and New Zealand create history! Ajaz Patel flights the ball up on the line of the stumps and Ravindra Jadeja dances down the track and launches the ball flat to the left of Tim Southee at long on. Tim covers the ground well and snaffles the ball with both his hands and runs with joy. India are bundled out for 245 runs in the second innings, losing the game by a margin of 113 runs.

Just short on the stumps. Ravindra Jadeja stays back in the crease and flicks the ball to the left of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Fired in, full and attacking the front pad, Bumrah defends it off the front foot.

FOUR! Jasprit Bumrah goes again! Fuller and straight again by Mitchell Santner on the stumps and Jasprit Bumrah plays the slog sweep and finds the ball between deep mid-wicket and long on for a boundary.

SIX! BOOM! Mitchell Santner tosses the ball up on the leg stump line and Jasprit Bumrah gets down on a knee and slogs the ball up and over deep mid-wicket for a massive six.