New Zealand spinners' double delight: Vettori, Santner, Patel's five-wicket hauls in single Test matches

In the history of New Zealand (NZ) cricket, several spinners have achieved the remarkable feat of taking two five-wicket hauls in a single Test match. This rare accomplishment underscores the significant impact these bowlers have had on their respective games. Daniel Vettori, Mitchell Santner, and Ajaz Patel are among the notable New Zealand spinners who have etched their names in the record books with such performances.

Daniel Vettori, one of New Zealand's greatest all-rounders, achieved this feat twice in his illustrious career. The first instance came against Australia in Auckland in 2000. In that match, Vettori showcased his exceptional bowling skills, taking 5 for 62 in the first innings and following it up with 7 for 87 in the second. His performance was instrumental in putting the Australian batters under constant pressure, highlighting his ability to dominate even the strongest line-ups.

Vettori's second such performance came against Bangladesh in Chattogram in 2004. He delivered another masterclass in spin bowling, claiming 6 for 70 in the first innings and 6 for 100 in the second. This match further cemented his reputation as a world-class spinner capable of delivering match-winning performances across different conditions.

Mitchell Santner joined this elite list with his stunning performance against India in Pune in 2024. Santner's left-arm spin baffled the Indian batsmen as he took 7 for 53 in the first innings, showcasing his ability to exploit the conditions to his advantage. He continued his dominance in the second innings with a haul of 6 for 104, playing a crucial role in New Zealand's efforts to challenge a formidable Indian batting line-up on their home soil.

Ajaz Patel also made headlines with his extraordinary achievement against India at the Wankhede Stadium in 2024. Patel's tenacity and skill were on full display as he picked up 5 for 103 in the first innings. He then followed it up with a remarkable 6 for 57 in the second innings, demonstrating his prowess and consistency. Patel's performance was not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment in New Zealand cricket history, as it highlighted the depth and quality of the spin bowling resources available to the team.

NZ made history on Indian shores, as a ten-wicket haul from Ajaz Patel and twin fifties from Will Young helped them secure a 25-run win over India in the third and final Test in Mumbai and hand India their first-ever series whitewash at home in a Test series of three or more Tests.