New Delhi: For New Zealand left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, the Mumbai Test is going to be another memorable outing of his international career as he took a total of 11 wickets in the city where he was born. He played a leading role in the Kiwis completing the 3-0 series win over India at the Wankhede Stadium as he was adjudged the Player of the Match for his heroics. Out of all the six wickets, the wicket of Rishabh Pant was the most prized of all.
Pant was waging a lone battle in the 147-run chase on the third day on a tricky pitch. The win looked distant at once but Ajaz eventually found the spike on Pant’s bat, bowling a delivery that turned in and took a faint edge of the bat before hitting the pad and going straight to the keeper’s hands. “(Pant) He’s batted phenomenally throughout the series, I had to think out of the box and made sure to come up with a new plan and stay ahead of him,” Ajaz said after receiving the Player of the Match award.
Before coming to Mumbai, a place where he clinched an impressive 10-wicket haul a few years back (in 2021 vs India), Ajaz wasn’t effective in the previous two games. But he turned the tides for himself and his side, finding the rhythm in Mumbai.
“Spin bowling is about rhythm. When you are in rhythm it is about making the most of it, taking it by the horns and helping your team. I felt confident even in the morning session (on day two), but the wicket did not offer me much. After lunch I got the confidence to toss it up and use my guile,” Ajaz added.
Will Young – Player of the Series
Top order batter for New Zealand, Will Young, was named the Player of the Series for his gritty innings at number 3 in the absence of Kane Williamson. He didn’t let the team feel Williamson’s absence and played out effectively against the Indian bowlers to steer his team over the line.
“Firstly for the team to come over here. One win was huge but to go again and again was huge. I tried to keep it simple, at times I need to trust my defence and at times I need to work out where I want to score. Memories with the boys we have created with the boys. We go back and enjoy each other’s company. Next series we’ll see what happens (when Williamson comes back),” Young emphasised.
