High-flying Kiwis aim to touch uncharted territory as they seek to go where no visiting team has gone against India.
High-flying Kiwis are just one test away from doing the unthinkable.
When this three-match series between India and New Zealand started 15 days ago, the majority of cricket fans would have projected a 2-0 series scoreline going into the final Test. However, very few would have foreseen that “2” would not be in opposition to India’s name.
For New Zealand to be in this situation, a number of firsts have had to occur. They now have the opportunity to accomplish the unimaginable by sweeping India in series as they travel to Mumbai with the series won. India has only ever lost a home series of more than one Test, against South Africa in 1999–2000, and never more than two Tests. Can India save themselves the blushes?
The home team’s pride is on the line, but both teams are also vying for important WTC points. India continues to lead the WTC points standings, but these two losses have significantly reduced that margin. They will have a lot of catching up to do in Australia if they suffer another defeat here.
When this series began, New Zealand’s chances of making it to the WTC final were slim, but these two victories have immediately put them back in the running. They will remain in the running for another WTC final if they defeat England in Mumbai and then at home in the three-match series.
New Zealand’s ability to set the terms has required a great deal of perseverance, tenacity, and extended periods of outstanding cricket. After dismissing India for 46 in Bengaluru, they persevered in the second innings despite being whacked around by Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant. The critics would argue that Bengaluru’s conditions were more appropriate for New Zealand than for India. Thus, under entirely different circumstances, they travelled to Pune and defeated India.
For India, it’s more about how to bounce back from these shock defeats and get a win under their belt ahead of the Australia tour. On paper, this is a dead rubber. In reality, it’s anything but.