New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel has reflected on his team’s historic 25-run victory over India in the Mumbai Test, highlighting the dismissal of Rishabh Pant as the turning point in the match. Patel’s six-wicket haul and Glenn Phillips’ spin contributions sealed a 3-0 series whitewash, making New Zealand the first visiting side to achieve this feat in India.
SOURCE : ZEE
In the third match of the Test series, Patel and Phillips unleashed a spin web on Indian batters, resulting in a thrilling contest. Patel, who was named the Player of the Match in the Mumbai Test after taking 11 wickets, spoke at a media round table about the significance of Pant’s dismissal. He emphasized that Pant’s wicket in the fourth inning was crucial in shifting the momentum in New Zealand’s favor.
Source:- bbc news
During India’s second inning, while chasing a target of 147 runs, Pant was the standout batter for the hosts, giving India hope of clinching a solitary win in the series. Pant played a fighting knock of 64 runs from 57 balls, but his dismissal by Patel in the 22nd over marked a turning point in the game. After Pant’s dismissal, India lost their footing and was eventually bundled out for 121 runs.
Patel’s memorable six-wicket haul included figures of 6/57, while Phillips also contributed with 3/42. Earlier in the match, New Zealand was bundled out for 174, thanks to a five-wicket haul from Ravindra Jadeja and some fine bowling from Ravichandran Ashwin. A fighting half-century from Will Young was the highlight of New Zealand’s innings.
Reflecting on the match, Patel said, “In terms of the Mumbai game, in those types of games, you have to believe regardless of whoever is in front of you. So, for us, the belief started before we got out Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. We had to believe that the runs we hit on the board were enough to win the game. Obviously, we got a few early wickets and the belief became stronger… but obviously when Rishabh Pant was batting there was a chance that he could have taken the game away from us. It is important to keep the same calmness and control what you can control.”
Patel’s performance in the Mumbai Test was particularly impressive, as he picked up 15 wickets in the three-match series at an average of 23.80. His efforts have been widely praised, and he has become a key figure in New Zealand’s bowling attack.
The historic series win has been a major boost for New Zealand cricket, and Patel’s role in the victory has been celebrated by fans and experts alike. As the team looks ahead to future matches, Patel’s contributions will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in the series.
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