Gutsy New Zealand complete historic series sweep in India

:New Zealand capped a tough tour of Asia with an unprecedented 3-0 series sweep in India, while the bruised and battered home side will face uncomfortable questions ahead of their trip to Australia for five tests.

The Black Caps' spinners ran riot on a challenging wicket in Mumbai to dismiss India for 121 in the second innings and secure a famous 25-run victory on the third day of the third and final test on Sunday.

The last time India were blanked at home was in 2000, in a two-match series against South Africa, and Rohit Sharma's side were totally outplayed by the tourists in different conditions.

"We're ecstatic. Looking back to the start of the series to now be in this position, the boys have done a fantastic job over the last three tests," said New Zealand's new permanent skipper Tom Latham, who took over after a 2-0 defeat in Sri Lanka.

"We spoke about it after each test match, trying to back it up, and I guess to finally do it here in Mumbai on a completely different surface, one that challenged us with bat and ball, we're pretty happy.

"Just being able to adapt to each ground... Different guys stood up at different times. That's the beauty of team sport. It was an all-round great team effort. I'm proud of the guys."

India dropped to second below Australia in the World Test Championship table and will need a big effort to reach a third straight final next year.

Rishabh Pant was the lone Indian batsman to show resistance as he made a sublime 64 after the hosts were reduced to 29-5 on a turning Wankhede Stadium pitch.

Mumbai-born man-of-the-match Ajaz Patel finished with 6-57, his second five-wicket haul in the match, while fellow spinner Glenn Phillips took 3-42 to help skittle the hosts for a low score again in the series.