Top Five Bowling Performances in the WTC 2021-23
Ebadot Hossain scripted Bangladesh's famous win in New Zealand. (AP Photo)
The second cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) has truly been a spectacle, delivering a tapestry of timeless matches and unforgettable displays from both bat and ball.
Throughout the championship, we have been treated to a symphony of bowling masterpieces that have enchanted cricket enthusiasts across the globe. These remarkable spells have left an indelible mark on the tournament, serving as testaments to the bowlers' unwavering skill, relentless determination, and resplendent brilliance.
As we take a moment to reflect upon the grand tapestry of the 2021-23 World Test Championship, we cast our spotlight upon the top five bowling spells that have enraptured fans and etched themselves as immortal moments in the annals of the competition.
1) Ajaz Patel- 10/119 vs India, Mumbai, 2021
In his maiden appearance at Mumbai's renowned Wankhede Stadium, Ajaz Patel, a New Zealand cricketer with Indian heritage, etched his name into the annals of Test match cricket history with an extraordinary feat. He accomplished the rarest of achievements by dismissing all 10 Indian batters in a single innings, becoming only the third bowler ever to achieve this remarkable milestone.
Ajaz Patel (Twitter)
Displaying exceptional skill and precision, Ajaz bowled a total of 47.5 overs, conceding a mere 119 runs and delivering 12 maidens along the way. His relentless effort in dismantling the entire Indian batting lineup showcased his immense talent and control on a pitch that was beginning to offer turn. Regrettably, despite his remarkable performance, the lack of support from his fellow New Zealand bowlers allowed India to accumulate a formidable first innings total of 325, securing a commanding lead of 263 runs.
Undeterred, Ajaz continued his impressive form in the second innings, claiming an additional four wickets for 106 runs. However, the game had already slipped beyond the grasp of the New Zealand team, and India emerged triumphant with a resounding victory margin of 372 runs.
Though the overall result may not have favored New Zealand, Ajaz Patel's extraordinary display of bowling prowess will forever be etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts. His exceptional performance serves as a testament to his skill, determination, and unwavering spirit, exemplifying the essence of the sport at its finest.
2) Scott Boland- 6/7 vs England, Melbourne, 2021
In a momentous debut on the grand stage of a Boxing Day Test, Scott Boland embarked on his Test career with sheer brilliance. The Victorian cricketer earned his place in the Test squad for the third Ashes Test, and it proved to be a perfect start for him.
Scott Boland (Twitter)
Playing at his home ground, Boland etched his name in the annals of cricket history with a remarkable bowling performance. Although he managed to claim just one wicket in the first innings of the MCG Test, it was in the second innings that he unleashed his true potential. In a mere four overs, Boland wreaked havoc on the English batting lineup, capturing an astounding 6 wickets for a mere 7 runs. His spell was nothing short of inspiring, leading to the downfall of a demoralized English team.
Recognizing his exceptional contribution, Boland was bestowed with the prestigious Mullagh Medal, symbolizing his outstanding performance and earning him the well-deserved title of the Man of the Match in the 2021 Boxing Day Test.
3) Ebadot Hossain- 6/46 vs New Zealand, Mount Maunganui, 2022
On January 5th, 2022, a historic day unfolded in the annals of Bangladesh cricket. Fondly remembered as the "miracle in Mount Maunganui," Bangladesh achieved one of the greatest victories in Test cricket, defeating New Zealand by a convincing eight-wicket margin. At the heart of this remarkable triumph stood Ebadot Hossain, the hero who etched his name in Bangladesh cricket history.
Ebadot Hossain (Twitter)
Before this match, Ebadot's statistics (11 wickets in 10 Tests at an average of 81.55) didn't inspire much confidence. However, two years after his debut in New Zealand, he delivered a spell that will forever be etched in memory. In a full-circle moment for his career, Ebadot unleashed a menacing display of fast bowling, dismantling the top and middle-order of the New Zealand team. His figures of 6-46 not only marked the best-ever bowling performance by a Bangladeshi pacer on foreign soil but also ended an eight-year drought since a Bangladeshi pacer last achieved a 6-wicket haul in Test cricket. New Zealand was bowled out for a mere 169 runs under Ebadot's relentless attack.
In the pursuit of the target, Bangladesh encountered the loss of two wickets but sealed the victory with ease, completing the chase in less than 17 overs. The win was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Bangladesh team, and it will forever hold a special place in their cricketing journey.
4) Matt Henry- 7/23 vs South Africa, Christchurch, 2022
In a remarkable comeback to Test cricket, New Zealand's Matt Henry left an indelible mark in the opening match against South Africa. His scintillating bowling performance of seven wickets for just 23 runs dismantled the South African batting lineup, leading to their dismal total of 95.
Henry's exceptional display of pace bowling was even more impressive considering it was his first Test appearance in eight months, filling the void left by Trent Boult, who was on paternity leave. His figures of 7-23 rank among the best by a New Zealand bowler in Test cricket, surpassed only by the extraordinary performances of Ajaz Patel (10-119) and Sir Richard Hadlee (9-52).
Henry capitalized on the favorable conditions for fast bowling, utilizing his skills to perfection and delivering his career-best figures in Test cricket. With South Africa bundled out for 95, the Kiwis seized control of the match and went on to secure a resounding victory by an innings and a massive margin of 276 runs. Henry's exceptional contribution played a pivotal role in the team's success, highlighting his immense talent and the impact he made on the game.
5) Nathan Lyon- 8/64 vs India, Indore, 2023
In the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy of 2022/23, the Australian team found themselves under immense pressure as India dominated the series, securing a commanding 2-0 lead in the four-match test series. However, during the third Test held in Indore, it was Nathan Lyon who rose to the occasion, displaying his fierce competitiveness and skill to prevent India from winning their third successive game.
Nathan Lyon (Twitter)
Lyon's exceptional performance began in the first innings, where he claimed impressive figures of 3/35, contributing significantly to India's meager total of 109. But it was in the second innings that Lyon truly showcased his prowess. With an extraordinary haul of 8/64, he shattered India's resistance and took crucial wickets including those of Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ravichandran Ashwin.
As Lyon's relentless bowling attack unfolded, India was eventually bowled out for 163, leaving Australia with a relatively straightforward target of 76 runs. The Australian team comfortably chased down the required runs, losing just one wicket in the process.
 "Vaibhav Tripathi")
![[Watch] Cheteshwar Pujara Joins Teammates in Training Ahead of WTC Final against Australia](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1685638898327_Untitled design (4).jpg "[Watch] Cheteshwar Pujara Joins Teammates in Training Ahead of WTC Final against Australia")