Ajaz Patel’s Spin Masterclass and All-Round Performances Seal the Series
The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai hosted an enthralling Test match between India and New Zealand, culminating in a thrilling 25-run victory for New Zealand. The game saw remarkable performances from both sides, with Ajaz Patel emerging as the star, spinning New Zealand to victory on a challenging track. Here’s a breakdown of the key moments and highlights from this memorable Test match.
Match Summary and Key Performances
Final Scores:
- India: 1st innings – 263/10 (59.4 overs), 2nd innings – 121/10 (29.1 overs)
- New Zealand: 1st innings – 235/10 (65.4 overs), 2nd innings – 174/10 (45.5 overs)
Result: New Zealand won by 25 runs
New Zealand set India a target of 147 in the fourth innings. Despite India’s strong batting lineup, they struggled against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack, with Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips leading the charge. The match was a display of excellent spin bowling, tactical gameplay, and nerve-wracking moments as the game swung back and forth.
Key Performances by Innings
New Zealand’s 1st Innings: 235 All Out
New Zealand’s batting in the first innings was anchored by Will Young and Daryl Mitchell, scoring 71 and 82 respectively. Their contributions helped New Zealand post a competitive total of 235. However, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were efficient for India, taking 5/65 and 4/81 respectively, restricting New Zealand’s batsmen from accumulating a large score.
Fall of Wickets:
- India’s bowlers applied pressure consistently, taking wickets at regular intervals, which prevented New Zealand from building any massive partnerships.
India’s 1st Innings: 263 All Out
India replied with a score of 263, led by Shubman Gill’s solid 90 off 146 balls and Rishabh Pant’s aggressive 60 off 59 balls. Ajaz Patel, however, was the standout bowler for New Zealand, claiming 5 wickets for 103 runs. Glenn Phillips also supported well with his economical spell, allowing New Zealand to restrict India to a narrow lead of just 28 runs.
Fall of Wickets:
- New Zealand bowlers capitalized on their consistency, dismissing India’s batsmen before any of them could convert their starts into big scores.
New Zealand’s 2nd Innings: 174 All Out
In the second innings, New Zealand managed to post 174 runs. This time, Will Young was again impressive with a steady 51 off 100 balls, providing stability to the innings. Glenn Phillips also contributed a quick 26 off 14 balls, helping New Zealand set a challenging target for India. For India, Ravindra Jadeja was once again in form, taking 5 wickets for 55 runs, while Ravichandran Ashwin chipped in with 3 wickets.
Fall of Wickets:
- New Zealand’s innings saw a steady fall of wickets, with India’s bowlers using the conditions well to limit the target for the final innings.
India’s 2nd Innings: 121 All Out
Chasing 147, India’s batting faltered under pressure, managing only 121 runs in 29.1 overs. Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips were once again instrumental in New Zealand’s success, with Patel taking 6 wickets for 57 runs and Phillips contributing with 3 wickets. Rishabh Pant tried to anchor the chase with his 64 off 57 balls but couldn’t prevent the collapse. Patel’s spin mastery was too much for India’s batting lineup, securing New Zealand’s 25-run victory.
Fall of Wickets:
- India lost their key players early on, with Patel and Phillips dismantling the batting lineup, securing the series victory for New Zealand.
Individual Highlights
- Ajaz Patel: Dominated with the ball, taking 11 wickets across both innings (5/103 and 6/57), proving his spin prowess and earning the Player of the Match.
- Will Young: Consistently performed with the bat, scoring 71 in the first innings and a crucial 51 in the second, earning him the Player of the Series.
- Ravindra Jadeja: Bowled effectively for India, securing a 5-wicket haul in both innings, showcasing his all-round capability.
- Rishabh Pant: Showed intent with a quickfire 60 in the first innings and a determined 64 in the second but couldn’t rescue India from defeat.
Statistical Summary
- Ajaz Patel: 11 wickets in the match, showcasing his ability to exploit spin-friendly conditions effectively.
- Ravindra Jadeja: 10 wickets in the match, a standout all-round performer for India.
- Will Young: Solid batting contributions in both innings, setting the platform for New Zealand’s success.
- Glenn Phillips: Took crucial wickets in the second innings, supporting Patel and adding pressure on India’s batting.
Takeaways
New Zealand’s ability to adapt to the subcontinent’s spin-friendly conditions was pivotal in their victory. The bowlers, especially Ajaz Patel, exploited the pitch’s turn to their advantage, while the batsmen held their ground against India’s spinners. For India, Rishabh Pant’s aggressive approach was a highlight, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled to cope with New Zealand’s spin attack.
The series marked a showcase of strategic gameplay and skillful bowling, setting a high standard for Test cricket. With this victory, New Zealand demonstrated their resilience and tactical acumen, making it a memorable match for fans.
