How the Black Caps rated
to a rare offshore series victory. Looked unlikely to feature but proved an inspired selection and showed his maturity and fighting qualities with the bat then produced a magical double-wicket maiden to hasten their victory charge.
NEIL WAGNER
(68 overs, 3 wickets at 40, BB 2-27).
A vital support act for Ajaz Patel in that rush to victory in the first test and a touch unlucky to miss out on the decider after a long, wicketless spell in Dubai. Also an element of rest and rotation in his dropping for Southee and will likely be back in Wellington against Sri Lanka on
Rating: 6
Saturday.
AJAZ PATEL
(135.5 overs, 13 wickets at 29.61, BB 5-59). Another remarkable spin debut set the tone for New Zealand in the series when he bowled them to victory in Abu Dhabi. Calm under pressure and confident in his ability, was a key addition to the squad and lived up to his billing after dominating domestic cricket.
(44 overs, 3 wickets at 47, BB 2-37).
Gets points for his vital double breakthrough in tandem with Patel that sparked their victory charge in the first test. Still, a struggle for the legspinner whose test future looks
ISH SODHI Rating: 5 Rating: 8