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Ajaz Patel's exceptional spin bowling performance played a pivotal role in New Zealand's historic series win against India in the recent test series. The left-arm spinner, who was born in Mumbai before migrating to New Zealand, showcased remarkable dominance on Indian soil, delivering a match-winning performance that left the Indian batting lineup reeling.
In the second test, held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Patel secured an impressive 11 wickets for the match. This remarkable achievement, coupled with New Zealand's overall team performance, resulted in a 26-run victory for the visitors and sealed a historic whitewash over India on their home ground. The victory marked the first time New Zealand had managed to defeat India in all three test matches of a series in India.
Patel's bowling figures throughout the series were exceptional, demonstrating his mastery of the spin-friendly conditions. His 11 wickets in the second test were particularly noteworthy, showcasing his ability to outwit and frustrate the Indian batters. His left-arm spin proved to be a constant threat, challenging the Indian batsmen's timing and footwork.
The performance by the New Zealand spin unit, led by Patel, was crucial to their success. The trio, including Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips, managed to take a collective 37 wickets throughout the series. Their performance was particularly impressive considering the renowned spin prowess of the Indian bowling attack, which includes the likes of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
Patel's performance in Mumbai is a testament to his ability to adapt to the challenging conditions in India. He surpassed Ian Botham's record for most wickets by a visiting bowler at the Wankhede Stadium, highlighting his dominance in this venue. The victory in Mumbai solidified New Zealand's dominance in the series and showcased their ability to achieve success in unfamiliar territory.
The series win in India marks a significant milestone for New Zealand cricket. It is a testament to their resilience and adaptability, highlighting their capacity to compete against the best teams in the world, even on challenging surfaces. Ajaz Patel's performance in Mumbai, coupled with the overall team effort, will be remembered as a turning point in New Zealand's cricketing journey.
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