New Zealand defeated India by 8 wickets to win the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final in England’s Southampton. New Zealand chased down the target of 139 in the final session of the sixth day.
The 2019 World Cup finalists exorcised their demons of two years ago by beating India to become World Champions of Test Cricket. The indomitable Kiwis led by the ever cool Kane Williamson triumphed in emphatic fashion at Aegas Bowl in a game which for the most part of 6 days looked to heading towards a disappointing draw.
How the WTC final unfolded:
Day one of this historic Test was washed out. It led to criticism of ICC hosting such a prestigious event in England, a country notorious for its weather. With fans waiting there was nothing but rain soaked covers to see on the first day of WTC final.
Action finally began on Day 2, New Zealand won the toss and put India to bat. In testing conditions India lost early wickets before Kohli and Rahane steadied the ship. The day ended due to bad light.
Day three saw New Zealand bundle out The Men in Blue for 217. The reply from the Kiwis was a fighting one, with Devon Conway leading the charge scoring 54 runs. His dismissal by Ishant Sharma brought an end to the day with New Zealand 101/2.
The next day was another washout, leaving little hope for a result. Again ICC came under scrutiny, with some calling the match to be re played in the coming week. The only saving grace for ICC was the provision of a reserve day 6, for the event and so it proved to be decisive.
On what was supposed to be the final day of the Test, India fought back with Mohammad Shami picking up 4/76. Tim Southee’s 30 runs took New Zealand’s lead to 32 runs, which proved crucial. India ended the fifth day on 64/2.
The reserved 6th day was here and if there was a result on the cards, something had to give. India again lost two openers and again Kohli alongwith Pujara consolidated. But then came Jamieson. He got rid of Kohli and then in his next over dismissed Pujara to leave India shaking at 72/4. Rahane and Pant joined forces and took India beyond three figures.
Boult struck to get Rahane out. But Pant forged a stand with Jadeja to seemignly take the match ever closer to a draw. But when Wagner came in and got he wicket of Jadeja with the score at 142, Kiwis smelled blood.
The next four wickets fell for 28 runs leaving New Zealand 138 runs away from history. The weather had been clear, with no rain in sight. The light was good to go. New Zealand came and after a cautious start lost their opening wicket. Ashwin so many times a thorn in the side of opposition threatened to spoil New Zealand’s moment big time. He got his second wicket dismissing Conway and leaving New Zealand at 44/2.
The match was now finely poised, a couple of wickets here and there and India would be sensing the victory. But Kiwis had one ace up their sleeve, their captain Kane Williamson. Who can forget the smiling face of Williamson when his side had lost the 50-over World Cup final in 2019, in the cruelest of twist of fate. Here Kane had his and New Zealand’s destiny in his own hands. He fought out with the evergreen Ross Taylor at the other end. While Kane stiffled the Indian bowling, Taylor batted with his usual flamboynce. They weren’t going to let up.
And when the New Zealand captain hit Shami for four to bring up his half century, it was all but over for India. Fittingly, their stalwart Ross Taylor hit the winning runs. The moment was accompanied by wave of emotion from the Black Caps dressing room.
Two years ago, they had painfully lost to England in the World Cup final, the shadow of that defeat lingered large. They had recovered, fought hard and rebuild. Finally redemption was theirs. The nice guys finished first finally.
Final scorecard:
INDIA:
- 217/10 (92.1 overs) First inning.
- 170/10 (73.0 overs) Second inning.
NEW ZEALAND:
- 249/10 (99.2 overs) First inning.
- 140/2 (45.5 overs) Second inning.