New Zealand Tom Latham and his team claimed their first Test series victory in India after winning the second Test by 113 runs at the MCA stadium in Pune on Saturday (October 26).
Earlier, the Kiwis had won the Bengaluru Test by eight wickets to win the ongoing Test series 2-0. IndiaWith the third and final Test scheduled from November 1 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
New Zealand ended their 4,331-day dominance in India to clinch their first Test series in India
Not only was it New Zealand’s first Test series triumph on Indian soil in 36 years, it also snapped India’s astonishing 4,331-day home reign that saw an astonishing 18 consecutive victories in Test cricket.
New Zealand also recorded their first ever Test series away win ICC World Test Championship (WTC)Started in August 2019.
FIRST TOUR SERIES WON FOR NEW ZEALAND IN WTC HISTORY..!!!!
– WTC started in August 2019. pic.twitter.com/1NvbVzm1r8
– Jones. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 26, 2024
While Tom Latham and his Kiwi team celebrated their historic series win, Indian players and fans were left heartbroken as they witnessed the end of their remarkable home run since 2012.
New Zealand’s historic Test series win ends India’s 18-series streak
The Indian cricket team has established itself as an unbeatable force at home, with its last Test series defeat coming against England more than a decade ago. India had won 18 series since their last defeat against England in 2012.
Tom Latham and his boys in India:
– He won his first test after 36 years.
– Won the first Test series in India.
– Ended India’s 4331-day home lead. pic.twitter.com/DxQhX7tuG6
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 26, 2024
Australia is only the second team after India to achieve maximum 10 wins in a row at home twice. West Indies are the third team with the most home Test series wins to their name – 8.
Most Consecutive Test series wins at home
18 – IND (2013-2024)
10 – AU (1994-2000)
10 – AU (2004-2008)
8 – WI (1976-1986)
8 – New Zealand (2017-2020)And today the series is over 💔#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/XRQz2upaB8
— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) October 26, 2024
With this memorable Test series triumph, New Zealand became only the sixth team in the world to win a Test series on Indian soil, after England, Australia, Pakistan, West Indies and South Africa. England and the West Indies have won five Test series in India, while Australia have won four, the last of which came in 2004–05.
Feeling really special and proud to be in this position: Tom Latham
After making history on Indian soil, New Zealand captain Tom Latham said at the post-match presentation, “Really special feeling. He is proud to be in this position. A perfect example of a whole team effort and everyone getting involved. When you come here, you want to put your best foot forward. It was really important to put runs on the board early on.”
Praising Man of the Match Mitchell Santner, who scored 13 in the Pune Test, Latham said: “He was fantastic. It’s been around the band for a long time and I thank him for finally taking a break and getting the bowl as it is. It was about trying to stick to our fundamentals and play the long game.”
