In addition, Indian bowlers' woes against tail-enders became another talking point in the series since it once again derailed their efforts in dismissing the key players in a flash. His dent in form triggered India's winless streak as they fell apart in the batting department and their bowlers could never match up to the relentlessness of the Kiwi pacers in the entire series. Kohli, on the other hand, succumbed to a new low by ending his tour with only 218 runs which became his lowest run-tally on a tour where India played all formats. Whatever hopes were raised by the bowlers, all fell apart like nine pins as batsmen continued with their abysmal show in the second essay. In reply, Kiwis bundled out for 235 with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami sharing seven scalps among them. While Prithvi Shaw gave India the right platform, they were reduced from 194 for 4 to be dismissed for 242 in the evening session's play on Day One despite half-centuries from Vihari and Cheteshwar Pujara. Losing the toss, India were asked to bat first on another green top. Nonetheless, nothing of that sort happened and the bulk of the damage was once again done during the coin toss itself.
While India continue to hold the numero uno position, with the next assignment in whites coming at the end of the year in Australia, New Zealand made giant strides to occupy the third spot with a total of 180 points up their sleeves.Īfter their dismal show in the series opener in Wellington, the Indian contingent had expectations from the visiting side to level the series in Christchurch. The defeat not only became India's second on the trot in terms of wickets, but they also lost vital points in the ICC Test Championship points table.
The two also registered the highest opening-stand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch in the fourth innings. What about the Test Championship points table?Ĭhasing a paltry 132-run-target, New Zealand openers Tom Latham (52) and Tom Blundell (55) made light work of the chase to guide the side to an easy win over the hapless visitors. The troika of Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja had lots riding on them but India's tail surrendered in front of the daunting and relentless Kiwi pace attack (Trent Boult 4 for 28), just like the top and middle-order, to fold for 124 in 46 overs during the morning session's play on Monday.
The writing was always on the wall after India went to stumps on Day 2 at 90 for 6, despite gaining a seven-run lead in the first innings. suffered a humiliating 2-0 whitewash at the hands of Kane Williamson-led Black Caps following their sorry show in the second and final Test in Christchurch on Monday, March 2, which saw them going down by 7 wickets. History remained intact as Virat Kohli & Co. It was under MS Dhoni when India last won a Test and series in the longest format in New Zealand, in early 2009. Thus, India ended their tour by suffering a Test series whitewash and lose out on vital points in ICC Test Championship.