According to a report from the Times of India, the legendary Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai will serve as the venue for one of the Tests during New Zealand’s upcoming tour of India. This year marks the stadium’s 50th anniversary, having hosted its inaugural Test match five decades ago between India and the West Indies.
The Blackcaps are set to compete in three Tests against the Men in Blue as part of the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Earlier this year, Team India commenced their first home series of the cycle against England.
Prior to the home series against New Zealand, India is scheduled to play a two-match series against Bangladesh in the September-October timeframe.
Since its inauguration, the stadium has witnessed numerous historic moments and has hosted several prestigious matches. It underwent redevelopment ahead of the 2011 ODI World Cup, as it was designated to host the final match.
In addition to regularly hosting bilateral matches, the stadium recently held the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2016 T20 World Cup, both of which featured India.
The stadium is presently being utilized for the ongoing 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) as the home ground for the Mumbai Indians (MI). It is scheduled to host one additional match this season, serving as the venue for the Mumbai Indians’ final game against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
The last time New Zealand toured India for a Test series, a Test match was held at Wankhede Stadium
Wankhede Stadium also hosted the second Test of New Zealand’s 2021 tour of India. Following a thrilling draw in Kanpur, the series was at stake in Mumbai.
The match at Wankhede Stadium was notable for several reasons. Mayank Agarwal’s outstanding 150 in the first innings and Virat Kohli’s controversial LBW dismissal were among the highlights.
Despite Ajaz Khan becoming only the third bowler to take all 10 wickets in an innings, his efforts couldn’t prevent New Zealand from enduring one of their most significant Test defeats.
The Men in Blue clinched the series with a massive 372-run victory after the visitors were dismissed for 62 and 167 in the first and second innings, respectively.
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