Pant's heroics in vain; New Zealand inflict humiliating 3-0 whitewash on India

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Chasing 147, India were bundled out for 121 and lost the match by 25 runs and series 0-3.

(Photo | AP)

A courageous Rishabh Pant raised hopes of a great escape with his valiant 64-run knock but once he trudged back to the pavilion following a contentious third-umpire call, the Indian fortress, that had been breached twice in this series before, was completed raged by the Black Caps.

(Photo | AP)

In pursuit of a manageable 147, India's famed batters, a few classified as modern-day greats, were a picture of pity as they all folded for 121.

(Photo | AP)

It is the first time that the India team has been clean swept in a three-match series. The last time India suffered a whitewash was in 2000 when it lost 0-2 to South Africa.

(Photo | AP)

The baffling collapse was triggered by captain Rohit Sharma's harakiri act and Ajaz Patel's (6/57) accuracy that left them tottering at 29 for five.

(Photo | AP)

With 55 runs needed post lunch and five wickets intact, India's hopes rested on Pant but he was a casualty of a contentious third-umpire call which swung the game in New Zealand's favour completely.

(Photo | AP)
(Photo | AP)