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'WHAT'S JUST HAPPENED?' Cricket world in disbelief as NZ spinner stuns India with TEN-wicket haul

4th December, 2021
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4th December, 2021
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New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel has completed one of Test cricket’s greatest ever achievements against India, joining the most exclusive of clubs by taking all ten wickets in an innings – just the third such instance in Test history.

The left-arm spinner, who was born in Mumbai before emigrating to the land of the long white cloud at eight years old, finished with the incredible figures of 47.5-12-119-10, having started Day 2 at the Wankhede Stadium with four wickets already in the bag.

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Patel joins Indian legend Anil Kumble, who took all 10 against Pakistan in 1999; and Jim Laker, who famously took 10/53 (and 19 for the match) against Australia in 1956, widely regarded as the greatest bowling performance of all time. Outstanding company for the unassuming Patel, playing just his 11th Test and with only 29 wickets to his name heading into the match.

Unsurprisingly, it is also the best Test bowling figures by a New Zealander, beating out Richard Hadlee’s famous 9/52 against Australia at the Gabba in 1985.

As expected, the cricket world has lost its mind over the outstanding performance. Chief among them was Kumble himself, who welcomed Patel to the exclusive club.

The effort has lit up New Zealand cricket Twitter, with current and former stars of the game in awe of Patel’s achievement.

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Indian greats from VVS Laxman to current bowler Shardul Thakur also had nothing but praise for the Black Caps spinner.

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The effort also proved enough to breach the Trans-Tasman rivalry, with Australian limited-overs captain Aaron Finch also joining in the adulation.

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However, there is a fly in the soup: Patel is now a chance to become the first bowler in Test history to take all ten wickets in a losing side. India were still able to manage a respectable 325 in their first innings despite Patel’s heroics, while the Black Caps were skittled for just 62 in response. (Patel was left stranded on 0 not out.)

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