New Zealand are set to face India in a three-match Test series starting on October 16 at Bengaluru’s renowned M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The series will then move to Pune, where the second Test will commence on October 24 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, followed by the final match at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium on November 1. This series is another significant chapter in the evolving cricket rivalry between these two nations.

Historic encounters between India and New Zealand

Over the years, India and New Zealand have engaged in numerous fiercely contested Test matches. While New Zealand have put up strong performances in recent years, India have historically dominated at home. The Indian team has a formidable record against the Blackcaps in home Test matches, consistently emerging victorious. These encounters have seen bowlers from both teams deliver match-winning spells, adding excitement to the rivalry.

Bowlers set to shape the outcome

As this series unfolds, the role of bowlers is expected to be crucial. In previous contests, both teams’ bowlers have delivered game-changing performances, often determining the direction of the matches. With key bowlers from both sides in form, their impact could play a decisive role in the series. Fans can anticipate intense battles between bat and ball, where a single spell might change the entire complexion of the game.

Top 5 bowlers with outstanding figures in games in India vs New Zealand Test:

1. Ajaz Patel

Ajaz Patel (Image Source: X)

A Historic Ten-Wicket Haul in Test Cricket

In the second Test between India and New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium, Ajaz Patel showcased his bowling prowess with figures of 47.5 overs, 12 maidens, 119 runs, and 10 wickets. This ten-wicket haul, the first ever against India in a Test innings, highlighted his exceptional skill on a spinner-friendly pitch. Patel’s consistent accuracy troubled the Indian batting lineup, playing a crucial role in restricting India to 325 runs.

New Zealand’s Struggles Amid Patel’s Brilliance

Despite Patel’s historic ten-wicket haul, New Zealand faced a formidable challenge in the match. India dominated, scoring 325 in their first innings and 276/7 declared in their second. New Zealand struggled, managing only 62 runs in their first innings and 167 in their second, leaving India with a target of 540 runs. While Patel’s performance was a standout for New Zealand, their batting issues proved insurmountable, resulting in a comprehensive 372-run defeat. India’s bowling attack, led by Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj, complemented Patel’s efforts, emphasizing the contrasting performances of the two teams.

2. Srinivas Venkataraghavan

Srinivas Venkataraghavan (Image Source: X)

A Bowling Masterclass in Delhi

In a remarkable display of spin bowling, Srinivas Venkataraghavan‘s claimed 8 wickets for 72 runs in 51.1 overs, achieving an impressive economy rate of 1.40 during the fourth Test between India and New Zealand at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi, from March 19 to 22, 1965. His sharp spin and ability to maintain pressure were crucial in dismantling the New Zealand innings, dismissing key players like top-scorer Ross Morgan and the experienced Bevan Congdon. Venkataraghavan’s outstanding performance helped restrict New Zealand to 262 runs in their first innings, setting the tone for India’s eventual victory.

A Historic Win Driven by Venkataraghavan’s Bowling Brilliance

Despite New Zealand’s total of 272 runs in their second innings, India successfully chased down the target of 70, finishing at 73 for 3 and winning the match by 7 wickets. Venkataraghavan’s bowling was complemented by effective performances from teammates, particularly Bhagwati Chandrasekhar, who contributed crucial wickets. The match highlighted India’s dominance in Test cricket during this era, with Venkataraghavan’s remarkable eight-wicket haul standing out as a defining moment. His achievement remains one of the finest performances in Indian cricket history, solidifying his legacy as one of the leading spin bowlers of his time.

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3. Erapalli Prasanna

Erapalli Prasanna (Image Source: X)

A Spin Sensation in Auckland

In a brilliant display of spin bowling, Erapalli Prasanna achieved some of his best bowling figures in an innings, claiming 8 wickets for 76 runs over 23.0 overs with an impressive economy rate of 2.47. This remarkable performance took place during the Test match between India and New Zealand, held at Eden Park in Auckland on January 24, 1976. Prasanna’s ability to turn the ball sharply and maintain pressure on the New Zealand batters was pivotal in dismantling their innings. His wickets included key players like Glenn Turner and John Morrison, who were crucial to New Zealand’s batting lineup. His outstanding performance helped restrict New Zealand to a total of 266 runs in their first innings, setting the stage for India’s success.

A Memorable Victory Fueled by Prasanna’s Bowling Mastery

Despite New Zealand’s total of 268 runs in their second innings, India successfully chased down the target of 72 runs, finishing with 73 for 2, ultimately winning the match by 8 wickets. Prasanna’s bowling was complemented by effective performances from his teammates, particularly from Chandrasekhar, who also took important wickets. This match showcased India’s strength in Test cricket during this period, with Prasanna’s remarkable eight-wicket haul being a standout moment. His achievement of 8 wickets in an innings remains one of the finest performances in Indian cricket history, further cementing his legacy as one of the premier spin bowlers of his time.

4. Sir Richard Hadlee

Richard Hadlee (Image Source: X)

A fast bowling destruction in Wellington

In an extraordinary display of fast bowling, Sir Richard Hadlee claimed 7 wickets for just 23 runs in 8.3 overs, achieving an impressive economy rate of 2.05 during the third Test between New Zealand and India at Basin Reserve, Wellington, from February 13 to 17, 1976. Hadlee expertly exploited the conditions with his mastery of seam and swing bowling, dismantling the Indian batting lineup. His scalps included key players like Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar and Surinder Amarnath, highlighting his ability to target crucial batters while applying relentless pressure. This remarkable performance helped restrict India to a mere 220 runs in their first innings, setting a dominant tone for New Zealand in the match.

A Memorable Victory Fueled by Hadlee’s Exceptional Bowling Performance

In India’s second innings, the situation deteriorated further as they were bowled out for just 81 runs in 26.3 overs. Hadlee’s phenomenal bowling was instrumental, as he claimed 7 wickets, dismantling the Indian batting order and leading New Zealand to a commanding victory by an innings and 33 runs. While his fellow bowlers, including Lance Cairns and Richard Collinge, provided valuable support, it was Hadlee’s brilliance that shone brightest, earning him acclaim as one of the greatest fast bowlers of his era. This match not only showcased New Zealand’s strength in Test cricket during the 1970s but also solidified Hadlee’s legacy as a cricketing icon, with his remarkable 7-wicket haul remaining a historic achievement in the sport’s history.

5. Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin (Image Source: X)

A Masterful Display of Spin in Mumbai

Ashwin delivered an outstanding performance during the third Test against New Zealand at Indore on          October 8, 2016, taking 7 wickets for 59 runs in 13.5 overs, including 2 maidens. This achievement highlighted his dominance as a spinner, as he varied his pace and flight to trouble the New Zealand batters. His key scalps significantly impacted the match’s outcome, reinforcing his role as a match-winner for India, especially in home conditions. Ashwin’s ability to extract turn and bounce made him a formidable force, enhancing India’s bowling attack.

Mammoth Defeat for New Zealand Courtesy of Ashwin’s Brilliance

The outcome of the match was a resounding victory for India, who won by 321 runs. After declaring their first innings at a commanding 557 runs, India set a challenging target for New Zealand. In response, New Zealand struggled to cope with the pressure of chasing down such a formidable total, ultimately being bowled out for 299 runs in their second innings. Ashwin’s impactful performance not only earned him the Player of the Match award but also reinforced India’s dominance in the series. The comprehensive win demonstrated why Ashwin is considered one of the best spinners in the world.

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