Tom Lath’Could have only dreamt of being in this position three weeks back’ – Tom Latham after historic India sweepam. (Source – Jio Cinema)
New Zealand won the third Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai by 25 runs and became the first team to whitewash India 3-0 at home. The hosts provided a nominal target of 147 on Day 3 but the spinning Wankhede track proved too much for Indian batters as Kiwi spinner Ajaz Patel wreaked havoc.
He claimed five wickets in the first innings and continued the onslaught by picking six Indian batters in the second innings.
After the game, New Zealand captain Tom Latham was one happy man as he stated the historic series win was not a cakewalk. It is worth noting that New Zealand fetched a lead of more than 100 runs on two occasions consecutively, the most against India at home since 2021.
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“Very ecstatic. Looking back at the start of the series to now be in this position, the boys have done a fantastic job over the last three Test matches. We spoke about it and after every Test match, it was trying to back it up. To finally do it here in Mumbai on a completely different surface, one that challenged us certainly with bat and ball, we are pretty happy. Just being able to adapt to each grounds, I wouldn’t say it’s been a one way of doing things,” said Latham.
We could have only dreamt of being in this position: Tom Latham
Though New Zealand provided just a 147-run target, India had two days to reach the mark but the team fumbled. Latham also highlighted New Zealand’s bowling and also mentioned about his women counterparts and their stunning performance in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which they won by beating South Africa in the final.
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“We came here, we bowled really well this morning. When you are chasing a score on a tricky wicket, runs on the board is always important. Girls winning the World Cup was fantastic. But, to be in this position, we could have only dreamt of being in this position when we turned up here three weeks ago,” Latham added.