Blackcaps v India: New Zealand complete convincing test series sweep

New Zealand have wrapped up a convincing series sweep against the world's No.1 test side India, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Chasing 132 for victory, Tom Blundell and Tom Latham scored half-centuries as New Zealand completed a seven-wicket win.

It marks an impressive turnaround in form for the Blackcaps after a humiliating 3-0 test series loss in Australia where Kane Williamson's side were convincingly outplayed in all facets. 

But they have turned the tide with two dominating wins - the first being in Wellington by 10 wickets last month. 

Latham (52) and Blundell (55) added 103 for the first wicket before India sent a wee flutter into the New Zealand dressing room, snaring three wickets for 18 runs. 

But Ross Taylor (5no) and Henry Nicholls (5no) steered the Blackcaps home for their 101st test match win.

India, currently leading the ICC test championship standings, held a 93-run lead at the start of play, but at 86/6, they were struggling to set a testing target for the Blackcaps.

Their plight became even more grim in the day's third over, when Tim Southee coaxed Hanuma Vihari (9) into a loose shot down legside, caught the edge and presented wicketkeeper BJ Watling with a diving catch.

Bad turned to worse in the next over, when Rishabh Pant (4) nicked Trent Boult behind to Watling.

Suddenly, both overnight batsmen were gone, India were 97/8 and well into their tailenders, trying to save the test.

That effort became more forlorn, when Mohammed Shami (5) wafted at Southee and was caught by Tom Blundell in the deep.

Trent Boult took four wickets in the second innings
Trent Boult took four wickets in the second innings Photo credit: Photosport
BJ Watling catches Indian batsman Hanuma Vihari.
BJ Watling catches Indian batsman Hanuma Vihari. Photo credit: Photosport

The rout was completed, when miscommunication between Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Jadeja saw the latter run out.

On Sunday, India emerged with a first-innings lead of seven runs, after dismissing New Zealand for 235. Opener Tom Latham top-scored for the Blackcaps with 52, while rookie bowler Kyle Jamieson enhanced his all-rounder aspirations with 49.

But the Indian batsmen could not take advantage of their position, falling at regular intervals throughout the afternoon, with Cheteshwar Pujara leading the way with just 24 runs, before he was bowled by Boult. 

Victory has elevated New Zealand to third place in the test championship standings - 116 points behind Australia in second.