Series win over India eclipses my perfect 10, says NZ spinner Patel

yash gupta

2 months ago

CRICKET-TEST-IND-NZL/:Cricket-Series win over India eclipses my perfect 10, says NZ spinner Patel

Nov 4 – Ajaz Patel said helping New Zealand wrap up a 3-0 series sweep in India on Sunday was even more special than his spectacular outing at the Wankhede Stadium three years ago when the Mumbai-born spinner picked up 10 wickets in one innings.

Series win over India eclipses my perfect 10, says NZ spinner Patel

Patel took 5-103 in the first innings of the third and final test and 6-57 in the second as the Black Caps sealed a 25-run win on Sunday to become the first team to blank India in a home series featuring three or more tests.

The 36-year-old said his incredible figures in the 2021 test were tarnished by the fact New Zealand lost the match heavily.

“It’s certainly sweeter. I can say that for sure,” Patel told New Zealand media. “Coming here last time and having that achievement, but at the same time getting a hiding, didn’t make it feel that special.

“This time around, bowling the team to a special test win and a 3-0 sweep in India is pretty epic and pretty crazy.”

Patel’s 11-wicket haul made him the most successful visiting bowler at a single Indian ground with 25 wickets. He had claimed 10-119 and 4-106 in New Zealand’s 372-run defeat against the hosts in 2021.

“Every time I come back to Mumbai, it just feels like home,” added Patel.

“You get that vibe from a place. It’s the same when I get back to New Zealand and to Auckland for the first time after a while. You get that special feeling and feel more comfortable.”

Teammate Mitchell Santner had a match haul of 13 wickets in the second test in Pune as New Zealand’s spinners beat India at their own game.

“It was about challenging some of the best players in the world in their home conditions. I don’t think any of us took a backward step,” Patel said.

“That’s the biggest thing about this series. It’s been a collective effort with different guys stepping up at different times, especially in clutch moments when the team needed it.”

New Zealand next host England in three tests starting later this month.

Cricket-Reaction to New Zealand’s 3-0 series victory in India

Nov 3 (Reuters) – New Zealand beat India by 25 runs in the third and final test on Sunday to sweep the series 3-0. The Black Caps became the first side to whitewash India at home in a series featuring three or more matches.

Following are reactions to the result.

FORMER INDIA BATSMAN SACHIN TENDULKAR

“Losing 3-0 at home is a tough pill to swallow, and it calls for introspection. Was it lack of preparation, was it poor shot selection, or was it lack of match practice?

“Full credit to New Zealand for their consistent performance throughout the series. Winning 3-0 in India is as good a result as it can get.”

FORMER ENGLAND CAPTAIN MICHAEL VAUGHAN

“To win in India is incredible but to deliver a clean sweep is remarkable … has to be the greatest ever test series victory … India now have a group of batters that struggle like most teams against spin.”

FORMER INDIA SEAMER IRFAN PATHAN

“This is (an) embarrassing display by team India at home. Lot to ponder over by the decision makers. Well done New Zealand on such a terrific performance.”

EX-INDIA SPINNER HARBHAJAN SINGH

“Turning pitches becoming our own enemy. Congratulations NZ you outplayed us. Been saying from many years. Team India needs to play on better pitches. These turning pitches making every batsman look very ordinary.”

FORMER INDIA BATSMAN YUVRAJ SINGH

“Cricket truly is a humbling sport, isn’t it? Just months after our T20 World Cup win, we face a historic whitewash.

“That’s the beauty of this game! Bigger tests lie ahead with the Australia series & the way forward is to introspect, learn and look up! Congratulations to the @BLACKCAPS on a well-rounded performance and a historic win.”

EX-WEST INDIES FAST BOWLER IAN BISHOP

“Amazing from New Zealand. A population of less than 6 million. No Kane Williamson. They have conquered an unenviable task, and both men’s and women’s teams have had an historic and proud few weeks.”