Published By: Sanchari Das

IND vs. NZ Test: The Spinners Who Dazzled with Quick Seven Wickets ft. Washington Sundar

This feat not only highlights the bowler's skill but also their ability to dominate the game

Washington Sundar made an unforgettable mark against New Zealand in the second Test of 2024, taking seven wickets for just 59 runs in 23.1 overs. Starting from 179/3, New Zealand's lineup crumbled, losing their last seven wickets for only 80 runs, largely due to Sundar's spellbinding performance. Remarkably, Sundar took all seven wickets in the span of just 61 balls after initially going wicketless in his first 13 overs. This is among the quickest by an Indian spinner since Anil Kumble's 60-ball feat against Australia in 2004.

His wickets included skilled batters like Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell, and Glenn Phillips. Sundar's excellent deliveries dismissed key players and halted New Zealand's momentum. Notably, his first five-wicket haul in Tests came as he bowled Tim Southee, demonstrating his capability to secure important wickets. His performance on India's bowling attack was memorable, showcasing his growth as a promising all-rounder.

Let's look at the extraordinary achievements of spinners who have taken seven wickets in the lowest number of balls.

Yasir Shah- 40 balls vs. New Zealand, 2018

Yasir Shah's remarkable 8/41 in the first innings against New Zealand in Dubai in 2018 is considered one of the most iconic bowling performances. In a span of just 27 balls, he reduced New Zealand from 50/0 to 90 all out, making him the first bowler since Anil Kumble to take 10 wickets in a single day of a Test match. His ability to vary his line and length dismantled the Kiwi lineup, claiming 7 wickets in record time and finishing with an 8-wicket haul in the first innings. His effort pushed Pakistan to a comfortable position, and with 14 wickets in the match, Yasir was awarded Player of the Match. This magical spell earned him a place among the finest spinners of his time.

Keshav Maharaj- 48 balls vs. Bangladesh, 2022

South Africa's Keshav Maharaj took a sensational 7/32 in the first Test against Bangladesh in Durban in 2022. His precise and relentless bowling helped South Africa dismiss Bangladesh for 53 in their second innings, sealing a 220-run victory. Maharaj bowled for 10 overs on the fifth morning, and his swift dismantling of the Bangladesh lineup secured the Player of the Series title. Maharaj's dismissals included key batters like Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mushfiqur Rahim. he quickly dismissed the remaining batters, showcasing his incredible consistency and spin-bowling control.

Rangana Herath- 55 balls vs. Australia, 2016

Sri Lanka's Rangana Herath spun his way to a decisive 7/64 against Australia in Colombo in 2016, aiding Sri Lanka in securing a 3-0 series sweep. His meticulous left-arm spin helped dismantle Australia in the second innings, as he claimed key scalps, including Steven Smith and Mitchell Starc, sealing a 163-run victory for his team. Herath's performance highlighted his resilience and tactical acumen, ending the series with 28 wickets and earning both Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards. This series victory was a landmark achievement, showcasing Herath's legacy as one of Sri Lanka's finest bowlers.

Anil Kumble- 60 balls vs. Australia, 2004

Anil Kumble's 7/48 against Australia in Chennai in 2004 showcased his expertise as a veteran spinner. His precision and ability to extract turns on the Chepauk pitch were fully displayed as he systematically took apart the Australian lineup. Despite the match ending in a draw, Kumble's bowling helped India exert pressure, as he dismissed top-order players like Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist. His feat of taking seven wickets in just 60 balls remains one of India's fastest by a spinner in Test cricket and underscored his match-winning potential even when a win was out of reach.