India vs New Zealand: Ajaz Patel Takes Sixth Five-Wicket Haul – A Look at His Impressive Bowling Stats

Nov 02, 2024, Ajaz Patel, the star spinner from New Zealand, has once again showcased his bowling prowess by securing his sixth five-wicket haul in Test cricket. On the second day of the third Test match between India and New Zealand, Patel’s brilliant performance helped the Kiwis restrict India to 263 runs. This marks the second time Ajaz Patel has achieved this milestone against India, both of which came at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Let’s take a closer look at his incredible bowling display and his overall career statistics.

Ajaz Patel’s Bowling Brilliance

Ajaz Patel’s ability to extract turn and bounce from the pitch has made him a key figure in New Zealand’s spin attack, particularly in subcontinent conditions. His recent five-wicket haul against India is a testament to his skill and consistency as a Test bowler. This performance also comes as his first five-wicket haul in the ongoing Test series against India.

Ajaz Patel’s Victims in the Third Test

In this match, Ajaz Patel claimed some crucial wickets, disrupting the Indian batting lineup at key moments. Here are the batsmen he dismissed:

• Yashasvi Jaiswal – 30 runs
• Shubman Gill – 90 runs
• Mohammed Siraj – 0 runs
• Sarfaraz Khan – 0 runs
• Ravichandran Ashwin – 6 runs

His sharp, accurate spin and clever variations were instrumental in preventing Shubman Gill from reaching his century, dismissing him for 90 runs. Patel bowled 21.4 overs, giving away 103 runs, but his five crucial wickets led to India’s batting collapse.

Ajaz Patel’s Impact on India’s Innings

Ajaz Patel’s impressive spell played a significant role in wrapping up India’s first innings. The Indian team, which was well-positioned at one point, could not capitalize on their solid start and was bowled out for 263 runs, giving them only a 28-run lead over New Zealand. Patel’s five-wicket haul broke the Indian momentum, allowing New Zealand to stay competitive in the game.

A Deep Dive into Ajaz Patel’s Career Stats

Ajaz Patel’s journey as a spinner has been nothing short of remarkable. His ability to take wickets in challenging conditions has earned him recognition on the international stage, especially in Test cricket.

Here are some key statistics from Ajaz Patel’s Test career:

• Matches Played: 14
• Total Wickets: 53 (as of this match)
• Best Bowling Figures in an Innings: 10/119 (against India at Wankhede)
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 6
• Ten-Wicket Hauls in a Match: 1

Ajaz Patel’s Memorable 10-Wicket Haul

Ajaz Patel made history by becoming the third bowler in Test cricket to take all 10 wickets in an innings. This monumental achievement came during the second Test between India and New Zealand in 2021 at the Wankhede Stadium, the same venue where he recently claimed his sixth five-wicket haul. His figures of 10/119 etched his name into the record books, alongside legends like Jim Laker and Anil Kumble.

Ajaz Patel’s Strength in Subcontinent Conditions

Ajaz Patel’s success against India, particularly in Indian conditions, highlights his mastery over spin bowling on turning tracks. He has consistently troubled Indian batsmen, who are traditionally known for their ability to handle spin. His variations in flight, pace, and angle have proven to be effective weapons in his arsenal, making him a crucial part of New Zealand’s Test squad when playing in the subcontinent.

What Makes Ajaz Patel Stand Out?

Several factors contribute to Ajaz Patel’s success as a Test cricketer:

1. Flight and Control

One of Ajaz Patel’s key strengths is his control over flight and length. He is not afraid to toss the ball up and challenge the batsmen to go after him. This approach has often lured batsmen into playing loose shots, leading to their downfall.

2. Effective Use of Turn and Bounce

Patel makes excellent use of the natural turn and bounce offered by pitches in the subcontinent. His ability to exploit the conditions to his advantage allows him to deceive even the most experienced batsmen.

3. Consistency in Line and Length

Ajaz Patel’s accuracy in maintaining a tight line and length forces batsmen to remain cautious. He continuously applies pressure, creating opportunities for wickets by frustrating the opposition.

4. Experience in Different Conditions

Having played in various conditions around the world, Ajaz Patel has developed a well-rounded skill set that enables him to adapt his bowling to suit different pitches and situations. His experience and adaptability are key reasons behind his success in Test cricket.

Ajaz Patel’s Future Prospects

Ajaz Patel’s recent performances indicate that he has a bright future ahead in international cricket, particularly in the longest format of the game. With his ability to dominate in spin-friendly conditions and deliver consistent match-winning performances, he is likely to remain a vital asset for New Zealand, especially during their tours to Asia.

As New Zealand continues to develop its pool of spinners, Patel’s experience and success can serve as an inspiration for future generations of bowlers. His recent five-wicket haul against India is just another chapter in what promises to be a highly successful career.