Cricket-Series win over India eclipses my perfect 10, says NZ spinner Patel


  • Cricket
  • Monday, 04 Nov 2024

FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Friendly Match - FCC XI v New Zealanders - County Ground, Chelmsford, Britain - May 27, 2022 New Zealanders' Ajaz Patel unsuccessfully appeals for the wicket of FCC XI's Lyndon James Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers/File Photo

(Reuters) - Ajaz Patel said helping New Zealand wrap up a 3-0 series sweep in India on Sunday was even more special than his spectacular outing at the Wankhede Stadium three years ago when the Mumbai-born spinner picked up 10 wickets in one innings.

Patel took 5-103 in the first innings of the third and final test and 6-57 in the second as the Black Caps sealed a 25-run win on Sunday to become the first team to blank India in a home series featuring three or more tests.

The 36-year-old said his incredible figures in the 2021 test were tarnished by the fact New Zealand lost the match heavily.

"It's certainly sweeter. I can say that for sure," Patel told New Zealand media. "Coming here last time and having that achievement, but at the same time getting a hiding, didn't make it feel that special.

"This time around, bowling the team to a special test win and a 3-0 sweep in India is pretty epic and pretty crazy."

Patel's 11-wicket haul made him the most successful visiting bowler at a single Indian ground with 25 wickets. He had claimed 10-119 and 4-106 in New Zealand's 372-run defeat against the hosts in 2021.

"Every time I come back to Mumbai, it just feels like home," added Patel.

"You get that vibe from a place. It's the same when I get back to New Zealand and to Auckland for the first time after a while. You get that special feeling and feel more comfortable."

Teammate Mitchell Santner had a match haul of 13 wickets in the second test in Pune as New Zealand's spinners beat India at their own game.

"It was about challenging some of the best players in the world in their home conditions. I don't think any of us took a backward step," Patel said.

"That's the biggest thing about this series. It's been a collective effort with different guys stepping up at different times, especially in clutch moments when the team needed it."

New Zealand next host England in three tests starting later this month.

(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Cricket

Cricket-Relaxed Bumrah enjoying responsibility of India captaincy
Cricket-Australia skipper Cummins eyes elusive series win against India
Cricket-India not ruling out Gill playing in series opener
Cricket-Warner backs McSweeney to shine in India series
Cricket-Sri Lanka recall Rajitha, Embuldeniya for South Africa tests
Cricket-South Africa captain Bavuma fit to face Sri Lanka
Cricket-Warner warns Australia not to write off India's Kohli
Cricket-Back at number four, Australia's Smith hopes to conjure up the old magic against India
Cricket-Rattled India target rare three-peat in Australia
Cricket-India's transition could make for a tough tour Down Under

Others Also Read