Published By: Sanchari Das

IND vs. NZ Test: The Kiwis' Finest Bowling Moments Against India

New Zealand, renowned for its rich cricketing history, has produced some of the finest bowlers in the sport

In Test cricket, the spotlight often shines on batters and their big scores, but the true artistry of the game usually lies in the hands of the bowlers. A single outstanding bowling spell can dramatically alter the match's dynamics. New Zealand, renowned for its rich cricketing history, has produced some of the finest bowlers in the sport. While the country boasts a handful of batting legends, it's the bowlers who have repeatedly turned games in their favour. In this article, we explore the top bowling performances by New Zealand players against India, highlighting spells that have left an indelible mark in Test history.

Simon Doull 7/65, 1998

In 1998, Simon Doull produced his best bowling figures of 7/65 against India in Wellington. After choosing to bat, India struggled to keep up with Doull's skilful seam and swing in favourable overcast conditions. The Indian batting lineup could only manage 208 runs, thanks to Doull's relentless attack. Although India fought back in their second innings, Doull's spell left a mark. His seven-wicket haul became a defining moment in New Zealand's bowling history, even if India ultimately won by four wickets.

Tim Southee 7/64, 2012

Tim Southee made history in Bengaluru in 2012 with an impressive 7/64, which came in India's first innings. Southee's performance was remarkable as he achieved these figures on Indian soil—a rare feat for a foreign seamer. His tight line and control led New Zealand to a slender 12-run first-innings lead. Despite his efforts, India ultimately took the victory by five wickets. Southee's stellar display remains the best bowling figures by a New Zealand pacer in India, etching his name in the annals of Test cricket.

Mitchell Santner 7/53, 2024

In the 2024 Pune Test, left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner stunned India with a remarkable seven-wicket haul. On a spin-friendly surface, Santner's precise, controlled bowling restricted India to just 156 runs in their first innings. His career-best figures of 7/53 secured New Zealand a vital 103-run lead. Santner's mastery with the ball outshone India's batters, setting New Zealand on course for a competitive game. His display reaffirmed New Zealand's spinning potential, proving they could dominate even on Indian pitches known to challenge foreign bowlers.

Sir Richard Hadlee 7/23, 1976

The 1976 Wellington Test showcased one of the most memorable spells in cricket by Sir Richard Hadlee, New Zealand's finest cricketer. Hadlee's 7/23 against India in the second innings displayed his raw talent and devastating pace. With precision and intensity, Hadlee dismantled the Indian lineup, bowling them out for just 81 runs. This spell led to an innings-and-33-run victory for New Zealand. Hadlee's brilliance that day went down in history as one of the finest performances against India, demonstrating why he remains a revered figure in Test cricket.

Ajaz Patel 10/119, 2021

Ajaz Patel etched his name in history with his unforgettable 10/119 in Mumbai in 2021, becoming only the third bowler in Test cricket to claim all ten wickets in an innings. Patel's spinning masterclass bowled out India for 325 in their first innings. However, his historic effort couldn't prevent New Zealand's downfall, as they collapsed to just 62 runs in reply. India eventually triumphed by 372 runs. Despite the outcome, Patel's remarkable feat is a monumental achievement, showcasing New Zealand's ability to perform at the highest level.

Santner's recent strikes in Pune

Mitchell Santner is again making headlines in the same 2024 Pune Test in the fourth innings. Chasing 359, India's lineup is stumbling as Santner dismisses key players, including openers Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill. With four Indian wickets down, the pressure is mounting on Virat Kohli and Washington Sundar to stabilize the chase. Santner's control and accuracy on this spin-friendly track keep the Kiwi's hopes alive, aiming for another memorable bowling figure against India. Can Santner add another legendary figure to this illustrious list?