Top 5 best bowling figures by Ajaz Patel in test cricket

Ajaz Patel made his test debut against Pakistan in November 2019.

Indian-origin cricketer Ajaz Patel has been the premier spinner for New Zealand in Asian conditions in test cricket. Ajaz made his test debut against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in November 2019.

The left-arm spinner produced a match-winning performance by picking seven wickets in the match in New Zealand’s four-run victory over Pakistan. Patel bagged the Player of the Match Award on his debut test match.

So far, Patel has played 18 matches and scalped 70 wickets at a decent bowling average of 30.42. Out of these, 13 tests have come in Asia. Notably, he is one of the rare bowlers to take 10 wickets in an innings in test cricket.

On that note, let’s take a look at the top five best bowling figures by Patel in test cricket till now.

Top five best bowling figures by Ajaz Patel in test cricket:

5. 5/89 vs Sri Lanka, 2019

During the first test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in 2018 in Galle, Ajaz Patel recorded a five-wicket haul. Batting first, New Zealand made 249 runs as Ross Taylor played a gritty knock of 86 runs.

In reply, Sri Lanka were all out for 267 runs after Patel took five wickets in 33 overs. New Zealand scored 285 in the second innings and set a challenging target of 268 runs for the hosts.

While chasing, opener Dimuth Karunaratne played an outstanding knock of 122 as Sri Lanka won the match by six wickets.

4. 5/59 vs Pakistan, 2018

Patel registered a memorable five-for on his test debut against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in November 2018.

Batting first, New Zealand were bundled out for 153 runs. In reply, Pakistan made 227 runs while Ajaz took two wickets. In the visitors’ second innings, they scored 249 runs and set a target of 176 for Pakistan.

While defending this total, Ajaz Patel produced a match-winning spell and picked a five-wicket haul. His effort with the ball helped New Zealand win the thrilling clash by only four runs.

3. 6/90 vs Sri Lanka, 2024

Patel’s third-best bowling figures in test cricket came during the first test match against Sri Lanka in September 2024 in Galle.

Batting first, Sri Lanka scored 305 runs after Kamindu Mendis played a magnificent knock of 114 runs. For New Zealand, William O’Rourke picked five wickets, and Ajaz Patel took two scalps.

In reply, New Zealand scored 340 runs as Tom Latham and Kane Williamson made half centuries. Sri Lanka then made 309 runs and set a target of 275 runs for the Black Caps. Left-arm spinner Ajaz bagged a six-wicket haul in 30 overs.

While chasing, though, New Zealand were bundled out for 211 and lost the match by 63 runs.

2. 6/57 vs Bangladesh, 2023

Ajaz Patel’s second-best test bowling figures came in the second test match against Bangladesh in December 2023. Bangladesh made 172 runs in the first innings and in reply, New Zealand made 180 runs.

In the second innings of Bangladesh, their batters surrendered against a spin bowling masterclass by Patel. The left-arm spinner bagged a six-wicket haul in 18 overs as Bangladesh were all out for 144 runs.

While chasing 137, Glenn Phillips made 40 unbeaten runs, taking New Zealand to victory by four wickets.

1. 10/119 vs India, 2021

Ajaz Patel registered his best bowling figures during the Wankhede test match against India in December 2021. He became only the third bowler in test cricket history to take all 10 wickets in an innings.

Batting first, Indian opener Mayank Agarwal made 150 as the hosts scored 325 runs. In a historic feat, Patel bagged India’s all 10 wickets in 47.5 overs.

Patel joined the iconic list of Jim Laker and Anil Kumble, who had taken all ten wickets in a test innings. Patel also became the first bowler to do so in an away game.

However, New Zealand were bundled out for just 62 runs in their first innings. In the second innings, India declared at 276/7 and set a huge target of 540 for the visitors.

While chasing, New Zealand were all out for 167 runs and lost the match by 372 runs. Although, New Zealand suffered a crushing defeat, this match would be remembered for Ajaz Patel’s historic 10-wicket haul.

(All stats updated till 15th October, 2024)

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