- By Namrata Vijay
- Sun, 03 Nov 2024 06:02 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
IND vs NZ, 3rd Test: New Zealand's star spinner Ajaz Patel reckoned that he had to 'think out of the box' to take Rishabh Pant's wicket on the third day of the third Test against India. On Sunday, Ajaz had a dream run as he helped his team defeat India by 25 runs in Mumbai.
He was also adjudged the Player of the Match award as he registered figures of 14.1-1-57-6 during the second innings and helped his team skittle India out for 121 runs, chasing a target of 146 runs. At one point it looked that Pant might help India cross the line as he had scored a gritty knock of 64 runs off 57 balls, which included nine fours and one six.
But Ajaz took his wicket as he had found an inside edge and wicket-keeper Tom Blundell took an easy catch. Pant had kept the host's hopes alive but after he got out, the team once again suffered a batting collapse.
“He has 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 told broadcasters in the post-match presentation ceremony.
Spin bowling is about rhythm
He took a five-for during the first innings. He was the third-highest wicket-taker in this series as he had taken 15 wickets after playing three Test matches at an average of 23.80. He also revealed that after he got his rhythm, he became quite confident.
"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,” he concluded.
Ajaz also created a record of becoming an overseas bowler for taking the most wickets at the same venue in the longest format. He has taken 25 wickets after playing in two Test matches at this venue.