New Zealand clinched the inaugural World Test Championship final, defeating India by eight wickets on Wednesday at the Rose Bowl.
Chasing a tricky target of 139 runs on the final day (sixth day) of the test match, Captain Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, two of New Zealand’s greatest batsmen, combined from 44/2 to reach the target with seven overs remaining. The duo added unbeaten 96 runs in 28.3 overs.
After two days of rain wash, day 1 and day 4, and a reserve day placed for the final, the result was possible.
India batting first, managed 217 runs in the first innings and collapsed for 170 runs in the second innings. New Zealand were able to take a valuable lead of 32 runs in their first innings after getting bowled out for 249 runs. David Conway (54), Kane Williamson (49), and the 82 vital runs from the tail helped New Zealand to achieve the lead.
Score summary:
New Zealand 249 (Conway 54, Williamson 49, Shami 4-76) and 140 for 2 (Williamson 52*, Taylor 47, Ashwin 2-17) beat India 217 (Rahane 49, Kohli 44, Jamieson 5-31) and 170 (Pant 41, Southee 4-48) by eight wickets.
Kyle Jamieson was adjudged Player of the Match for his contribution of seven wickets in the match, including a five-for in the first innings. He dismissed India’s batting superstar Virat Kohli twice in the match.
“To have something of this context in Test cricket is massive, and to be standing up here is surreal. We knew we had a big first hour, and just to see how things panned out. We were hoping they might pan out our way if we put the ball in the right place, but we knew this is a quality Indian team as well.”
India’s Captain praised New Zealand’s performance throughout the test match. “First up, big congratulations to Kane and the whole team. They showed great consistency and heart to pull out a result in just over three days, sticking to their processes to put us under pressure. They deserved the win,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation.
“Very special feeling, a couple of close ones [in ICC finals], nice to get one under the belt. I’d like to thank Virat and the Indian team, they’re an incredible team, we know how much of a challenge it would be. It was great, the heart our team showed to get across the line, great Test match”, Kiwi Captain said.
