Ajaz Patel said he had to “think outside the box” to dismiss Rishabh Pant on Day 3 of the third Test between India and New Zealand. On Sunday (November 3), Ajaz had a dream outing after helping the Black Caps win by 25 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

IND vs NZ 3rd Test in Mumbai: Highlights

Ajaz finished the second innings with scores of 14.1-1-57-6, winning the Player of the Match award and helping the Kiwis defeat India for 121 while defending for 146. 64 were hit off 57 balls with nine fours and one six.

However Ajaz dismissed Pant after the batsman found advantage inside For Tom Blundell to make a simple catch. Pant gave India hope of going after the target but after his dismissal, the home team suffered a massive collapse.

“He batted exceptionally throughout the series, I had to think outside the box and come up with a new plan and stay ahead of him,” Ajaz said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

‘Spin bowling is about rhythm’

Ajaz had also taken a five-wicket haul in the first innings. He finished the series as the third-highest wicket-taker with 15 wickets from five Tests at an average of 23.80. Ajaz said that once he caught his rhythm, he started gaining self-confidence.

“Spin bowling is about rhythm. When you are in rhythm it is about making the most of it, doing your best and helping your team. Even in the morning session (on the second day) I was confident but did not offer wickets After lunch I gained the confidence to bowl the buck and use my guile,” he said. added Ajaz.

Ajaz also broke the record for most wickets by an overseas bowler on a single pitch in Test cricket. The setter now has 25 wickets from two Tests at the Wankhede Stadium.