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Ajaz Patel, the left-arm spinner from New Zealand, delivered another remarkable performance in the city of his birth, Mumbai, taking 11 wickets overall to propel the visitors to a resounding 3-0 series victory over India at the Wankhede Stadium. The win, however, didn't come easily as the visitors faced a spirited challenge from Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant who put up a valiant fight. However, Patel's cunning tactics and unwavering focus ultimately prevailed as he dismissed Pant, thus securing the win for New Zealand.
Despite a relatively underwhelming performance in the previous two matches, Patel found his rhythm in Mumbai, a venue where he had previously taken 10 wickets in an innings against India in 2021. Patel's success is attributed to his understanding of the game and his ability to adapt to different situations. He acknowledged that spin bowling is about rhythm and that he made the most of his form by taking the game head-on, ultimately benefiting his team.
Patel's masterful performance earned him the 'Player of the Match' award. In his post-match interview, he revealed his strategy for outfoxing Pant, saying, "(Pant) 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." Patel's ability to strategize and adapt his bowling style proved instrumental in his success, highlighting his sharp cricketing intellect.
Another crucial player in New Zealand's triumph was Will Young, who was awarded the 'Player of the Series' title for his consistency at the number three position in the absence of Kane Williamson. Young's calm and composed batting style, coupled with his ability to adapt his approach to different situations, played a significant role in the team's success. Young's performance exemplified his commitment to team success and his ability to rise to the occasion when needed.
Young's performance was a testament to his dedication to the team and his unwavering belief in his abilities. As he aptly stated, "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." His approach, defined by simplicity and unwavering focus, resonated with the team's spirit and contributed significantly to their remarkable achievement.
Source: Ajaz Patel Reveals How He Outfoxed Rishabh Pant To Seal Victory For New Zealand In 3rd Test