New Zealand spin-bowler Ajaz Patel had great day in office as he registered another remarkable performace in his birth city Mumbai, his wicket of Rishabh Pant became more controversial. He took 11 wickets to hand clean sweep and won the series by 3-0 for New Zealand, eventually it was the first ever series win for the visitors.
New Zealand won two consecutive matches in Bengaluru and Pune before their last match of the three match series in Mumbai. The Blackcaps ended India’s 12 years long unbeaten run in Pune after winning the second Test by 113 runs.
Rishabh Pant was waging a lone battle – Patel
Rishabh Pant has performed exceptionally well through out the series against New Zealand. He made his comeback in Test cricket recently against Bangladesh at home, after missing the competitive cricket for more than a year. He again with the bat dragged India close to a remarkable victory but he got trapped by Ajaz Patel.
“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,” said Ajaz after getting Player of the Match award.
In the third Test match of the three match Test series, Ajaz found the rhythm in Mumbai, it was the same venue where he took 10 wickets in an innings against India in 2021.
“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 added.
Will Young named Player of the Series for his outstanding performance throughout the series
Top-order batter Will Young was named Player of the Series for his solidity at three in the absence of Kane Williamson. He stepped up and took the charge in the crucial moment at No. 3. He had a remarkable series against India, that he will cherish for long.
“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,” Young said.
“Memories 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,” he concluded.
New Zealand made the comeback stronger after losing the series against Sri Lanka by 0-2. With this series win, the World Test Championship remains open for new contender as from New Zealand became one contenders for the final spot. Blackcaps’s next assignment will be against England in this summer.
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