IND v NZ: Axar Patel Messes Up The Date On Match Ball In Happiness Of Taking A 5-fer

In the ongoing match between India & New Zealand, after a brilliant batting display by the Kiwis on the 2nd day, they suffered a batting collapse in the 2nd session of the 3rd day. The cause of this collapse mainly was the Gujrat-born left-arm orthodox bowler - Axar Patel. 

Axar Patel picked up 5 wickets in his 34 overs, giving away 62 runs with 6 maidens. This was his 5th five-wicket haul in the 7 times he has bowled in his test career. Due to Axar's unplayable deliveries, New Zealand were restricted to 296, 49 runs behind India's first-inning total. 

As per videos released by BCCI, Axar Patel was seen talking to Ravi Ashwin & KS Bharat after the 3rd day's play. During this chat, we saw a ball in Axar's hand, which was used in New Zealand's batting. The ball had Axar Patel's figures from the match & date. 

However, former Indian cricketer and Twitter sensation Wasim Jaffer drew our attention to a minor mistake by Axar. The date on the ball can be seen as '27th October' whereas today's date, the day that he recorded this 5-fer, is 27th November instead of October. 

The only mistake Axar Patel made today was putting wrong date on the match ball. 27th November hai bapu @akshar2026 #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/fJKGPHqIry

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) November 27, 2021

It is understandable that Axar Patel would be happy with his consistent match-winning performances ever since he has made his debut for India in Test cricket earlier this year. He may have made this minor mistake due to his happiness & cheerfulness in the performance he had pulled off. 

While talking about the match, India after winning the toss & opting to bat first scored 345 against New Zealand, courtesy of debutant Shreyas Iyer's 105. NZ pacer Tim Southee also picked up 5 wickets in the first innings. In reply, NZ managed to post 296/10 due to a fabulous bowling performance by Axar & Ashwin. 

India would start on Day 4 at a score of 14/1. Mayank Agarwal & Cheteshwar Pujara are at the crease as India have a lead of 63 runs.