Debutant Ajaz Patel’s 5 for 59 gives a thrilling win against Pakistan

Making his international test debut, debutant Kiwi-spinner Ajaz Patel has claimed his road to glory by picking five wickets for 59 runs giving Black Caps a thrilling last over win against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.

The 30-year old led to the downfall of Pakistan’s team with his man-of-the-match winning performance in the fourth innings to win the 1st test by just four runs.

"It's a dream come true debuting for Black Caps and being in a position to win the game for your country, so it's a very special feeling," Patel said after the match.

Ajaz Patel bowling against Pakistan in the 1st test in Abu Dhabi (Image: Hindustan Times)

“Patel had triggered Pakistan's slide with a lovely offbreak that came back in and hit the pads quicker than Imam-ul-Haq could cope with, before Sodhi made his impact on the game,” ESPNcricinfo reported.

“For New Zealand, Patel was the hero, and such team spirit exists in their dressing room that it barely registered he had completed a five-wicket haul on debut when he trapped Azhar Ali in front for the final wicket,” ESPNcricinfo added.

Ajat Patel played for Central Districts and Auckland A that secured his position as one of the three spinners for the Black Caps in the three-test series against Pakistan.

“Ajaz's 135 Plunket Shield wickets in the last three seasons landed him the spot in the squad with Astle Todd, and Ish Sodi also listed as the spinners for the test team,” The Indian Weekender reported earlier this year.

Ajaz Patel with Ross Taylor (Image: Photosport- NZ Herald)

"Ajaz has deserved his inclusion on the sheer weight of his domestic first-class form over the past couple of summers," selector Gavin Larsen had told media during his selection.

Ajaz is the fifth Indian-born test cricketer to be selected for test XI after Ted Badcock, Tom Puna, Ish Sodhi and Jeet Raval.

Ajaz was a fast bowler for most of his cricket when he tried bowling spin for fun in a few club matches that made him realise that improving his spin bowling was his ticket to the international cricketing stage.

Under the guidance of former test off-spinner Dipak Patel - now his longtime mentor - the transformation was seamless, and Ajaz quickly rose as the one to watch.

The next test with Pakistan starts on Saturday, November 24 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.