Mumbai (Maharashtra), [India], March 20 (ANI): On Thursday, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon engaged in a game of cricket alongside Kiwi player Ajaz Patel, who is known for his spin bowling, along with ex-batter Ross Taylor and fast bowler Trent Boult, all at the famous Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. During this time, he pondered upon the strong bond through cricket shared by India and New Zealand, highlighting several significant events and achievements within their sporting history.

Luxon posted on Instagram, sharing images from his trip to Wankhede, where New Zealand players Boult, Mitchell Santner, and Bevon Jacobs are getting ready for the Mumbai Indians' (MI) upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) match against their rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The game is scheduled for March 23 at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.

Luxon amusingly recounted how spinner Ajaz made history as just the third bowler to claim all ten wickets in a Test innings against India way back in 2021 right here at this ground, but despite his remarkable feat, he couldn’t dismiss him.

"Nothing brings New Zealand and India closer together than our mutual passion for cricket. At Mumbai’s famous Wankede Stadium, Ajaz Patel achieved the third-best bowling performance in Test match history. To set the record straight, he did not dismiss me as captain," commented Prime Minister Luxon in his post.

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The press release from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president, Ajinkya Naik, stated, “As MCA’s President today, I felt deeply honored to host the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, at the legendary Wankhede Stadium. Throughout his tour, we guided him through the illustrious history of Mumbai cricket, emphasizing Wankhede’s significant contribution in nurturing many of India’s top players and memorable events like the triumphant 2011 World Cup win. Considering the strong cricket connections between India and New Zealand, this occasion stood out as a remarkable opportunity to demonstrate how Mumbai remains a key breeding ground for skillful athletes and ardent fans.”

During his official trip to Delhi, Prime Minister Luxon had an endearing encounter centered around cricket and young people. Joined by ex-New Zealand national team player Ross Taylor, he engaged in a casual cricket match with local children, thereby enhancing the relationship between their countries.

In a tweet on social media, Luxon stated, "Cricket brings together New Zealand and India like nothing else does, showcasing the profound bond between these nations via their mutual passion for the game."

India and New Zealand were recently involved in the ICC Champions Trophy Final in Dubai where the Indian team beat the Kiwis, on the other hand it was the black-caps that stopped India's winning run in Test Cricket at home by defeating them in the Test series last year. (ANI)