Ajaz Patel is a famous left-arm spin bowler from New Zealand. He was born in India but later moved to New Zealand with his family. Ajaz became popular worldwide after taking all 10 wickets in one Test match innings, which is a very rare and big record in cricket history. He is known for his calm nature, smart bowling, and hard work.
Let’s read Ajaz Patel’s full life story, including his age, height, girlfriend, family, early life, cricket journey, and more in very easy words.
Quick Info Table
| Name | Ajaz Yunus Patel |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | October 21, 1988 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 36 Years |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Profession | International Cricketer (Bowler) |
| Role | Slow Left-Arm Orthodox (Spin Bowler) |
| Teams | New Zealand National Team, Central Stags |
| Religion | Islam |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Nilofer Patel |
| Known For | 10 wickets in one Test innings (2021) |
Early Life and Background
Ajaz Patel was born on October 21, 1988, in Mumbai, India. His full name is Ajaz Yunus Patel. He lived in Mumbai during his early childhood. His family was not very rich, but they always supported him. His father, Yunus Patel, worked as a refrigeration engineer and wanted to give Ajaz a better life.
When Ajaz was 8 years old, his family moved from India to Auckland, New Zealand. Life in a new country was not easy, but Ajaz was strong and kept working hard. At first, he played as a fast bowler, but later he realized that spin bowling suited him better.
He lived a simple life and studied in New Zealand. From a young age, he loved cricket. He would practice for hours and try to learn new things every day. Slowly, he became one of the best spinners in New Zealand.
Cricket Career Journey
Domestic Cricket
Ajaz Patel started his professional cricket career with Central Districts in New Zealand’s domestic competitions. He made his debut in 2012 and quickly became a star for his team. In 2016-17, he became the top wicket-taker in the Plunket Shield, which is New Zealand’s main first-class tournament.
In 2018, Ajaz had a brilliant season. He took many wickets and showed that he was ready for international cricket. His bowling was full of spin, flight, and smart tricks to confuse batters.
International Cricket Debut
Ajaz made his Test debut for New Zealand on November 16, 2018, against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. It was a big moment for him, and he did not disappoint. He took 5 wickets in the second innings and helped New Zealand win the match. He even got the Player of the Match award.
Later, he also played One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 matches for New Zealand. But his main strength has always been Test cricket.
Historic 10-Wicket Haul
The most unforgettable moment in Ajaz Patel’s life came in December 2021 during a Test match against India at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai—his birthplace.
Ajaz took all 10 wickets in India’s first innings. Only two other players in the world had done this before:
- Jim Laker (England) in 1956
- Anil Kumble (India) in 1999
Ajaz’s 10-wicket haul made him a global hero overnight. People from both India and New Zealand celebrated his achievement. Even though New Zealand lost the match, Ajaz won millions of hearts with his record.
Ajaz Patel’s Stats (as of 2025)
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 16 | 54 | 10/119 | 32.18 |
| ODI | 7 | 10 | 2/41 | 35.40 |
| T20I | 3 | 4 | 2/9 | 22.50 |
Love Life and Marriage
Ajaz Patel is a family man. He got married to Nilofer Patel, a supportive and kind woman. They have been together for many years. Nilofer always supports him in his cricket journey and stands by him during difficult times. The couple shares a lovely bond and keeps their personal life simple and private.
As of now, there are no confirmed news or public updates about their children.
Family Details
Ajaz comes from a close-knit and religious Muslim family. His father, Yunus Patel, worked as an engineer in New Zealand, and his mother took care of the home. He has two sisters, and they all live peacefully together.
His family left Mumbai in 1996 and settled in Auckland, hoping for a better life. They believed in hard work, and today, Ajaz’s success makes them very proud. He often thanks his parents and family for their support and prayers.
Personality and Lifestyle
Ajaz Patel is calm, humble, and soft-spoken. He follows his faith and prays regularly. He also respects other cultures and is friendly with teammates from different backgrounds.
Ajaz is not very active on social media. He likes to stay low-key and focused on cricket. He enjoys reading, watching cricket highlights, and spending time with family.
Controversy and Challenges
Ajaz Patel has stayed away from big controversies. He is known for his clean image and respectful behavior on and off the field. However, like every player, he faced some challenges:
- Sometimes, selectors ignored him for matches even after good performances.
- He was dropped from the New Zealand team after the India series in 2021, even after taking 10 wickets in an innings. Many fans and cricket experts said it was unfair.
- He also faced injuries and tough competition from other spinners in New Zealand.
But Ajaz never gave up. He kept practicing and waited for his chance again. In 2024 and 2025, he played domestic matches and continued to perform well.
National Pride for Two Nations
Ajaz’s story connects India and New Zealand. He was born in India but made his name in New Zealand. Both countries are proud of him.
- India respects him for his roots and his 10-wicket record in Mumbai.
- New Zealand praises him as a strong part of their bowling team.
His journey shows that talent can shine anywhere with hard work.
Future Plans and Goals
Ajaz Patel is 36 years old now, but he is still fit and playing. He wants to help New Zealand in more Test matches. He also helps young spinners by guiding them during training.
In the future, he may start coaching or mentoring. He is a smart bowler with deep knowledge of spin bowling, and his experience can help many young cricketers.
