Published By: Sanchari Das

IND vs. NZ Test: When Ajaz Patel Grabbed 10 Wickets to Repeat an Anil Kumble

Ajaz Patel's 10-wicket haul against India will forever be remembered as one of the most remarkable achievements in cricket history

India and New Zealand are set to face each other in a three-match Test series starting in Bangalore on October 16. With big implications for the World Test Championship (WTC), India will aim to solidify their place in the finals. Having just whitewashed Bangladesh 2-0, India enters this series as clear favourites. On the other hand, New Zealand is coming off a tough series in Sri Lanka and an earlier defeat to Australia. With Tom Latham replacing Tim Southee as captain, the Kiwis are in transition but still dangerous.

Before the match, let's remember when Ajaz Patel pulled off an extraordinary feat, matching Anil Kumble's legendary 10-wicket haul against India with his unforgettable performance.

Ajaz Patel's historic feat in Mumbai

In 2021, during the second Test between India and New Zealand in Mumbai, Ajaz Patel etched his name into cricketing folklore. The left-arm spinner became the third bowler in Test history to take all ten wickets in an innings. By joining legends Jim Laker and Anil Kumble, Patel's 10-wicket haul was even more special as it came in an away match. Despite his historic effort, Patel faced the possibility of his remarkable achievement being overshadowed as New Zealand struggled in the game.

The incredible 10-wicket haul

Ajaz Patel bowled an astounding 47.5 overs, giving away 119 runs for his ten wickets. His effort mirrored Anil Kumble's 1999 feat against Pakistan, making Patel the first player to take a 10-wicket haul in a Test match outside his home country. Patel's relentless bowling pressure kept India in check, with his wickets coming in crucial moments, especially when other spinners were struggling. From the start of the second day, Patel picked up where he left off, dismantling India's batting order.

Key dismissals: Gill, Pujara, Kohli

On the first day of the Mumbai Test, Patel rocked the Indian top order with key dismissals. He took the wickets of Shubman Gill (44), Cheteshwar Pujara, and Virat Kohli (both for ducks). Patel's three quick scalps stunned India, and although Mayank Agarwal fought back with a gritty century, Patel continued to pile on the pressure. His steady line and variations kept the Indian batters from completely dominating, allowing New Zealand to stay in the contest.

Wrapping up the Indian innings

Day two saw Ajaz Patel continue his spell of brilliance. He picked up where he left off, dismissing Wriddhiman Saha (27) and Ravichandran Ashwin (0) and later wrapping up the Indian tail. Patel's final scalp was Mohammed Siraj, which completed his historic 10-wicket haul. As his teammates celebrated with him, Patel joined an elite group of bowlers, etching his name into cricket history alongside Jim Laker and Anil Kumble.

Records broken by Ajaz Patel

Patel's remarkable performance shattered numerous records. He set the record for the best bowling figures by a visiting spinner in India, surpassing Nathan Lyon's 8/50 in 2017. His 10/119 also became the best bowling figures in a Test innings against India. Additionally, Patel's haul was the best-ever by a New Zealand bowler, breaking the previous record held by Richard Hadlee, who took 9/52 against Australia in 1985.

A lone hero Amid New Zealand's collapse

While Patel shone with the ball, New Zealand's batting crumbled. India's fast bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj, wreaked havoc on the Kiwi lineup. New Zealand could only manage a dismal 62 in their first innings, with Patel being the sole standout performer. Despite his historic 10-wicket haul, New Zealand was staring down an insurmountable lead, with India piling on 325 runs. Patel's individual brilliance was not enough to save New Zealand from the brink of defeat.