A presentation of his cap from a long-time friend is something debutant Blackcap Ajaz Patel will never forget.
The Central Districts spin bowler debuted against Pakistan in the Blackcaps two run loss on Wednesday morning (NZT).
The left-armer said it was a special moment when fellow spinner Ish Sodhi handed him his cap.
"It sent chills down my spine and I definitely had goose bumps," he says.
"It was special to receive my cap from Ish because I've had a lot of interaction with him over my career.
"We go back a long way, it was a very special touch."
Captain Kane Williamson gave Patel the ball to bowl the first over.
"I was nervous before my first ball, I was shaking inside," he said.
"Once I got the first ball out of the way it was all about sticking to my guns and doing what I do best."
Ajaz Patel had figures of 1/27 off his four overs, which included the wicket of opener Sahibzada Farhan.
The Indian-born cricketer says even though he was tired after the game he didn’t sleep well.
"I struggled to sleep after the game; it’s a nice moment and something I'll never forget."
The Blackcaps play Pakistan again on Saturday morning from 5am (NZT).
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