New Zealand on Wednesday outclassed India to win the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship final in Southampton, England. Such was New Zealand’s dominance in the match that they pulled off a stunning victory against Indians despite more than two days of play being washed out by rains. Accustomed to winning on favourable wickets in India, Virat Kohli’s men were no match to New Zealand, who had defeated England in the two-Test series just before the WTC final.
India were all out for 217 in their first innings as Kyle Jamieson wreaked havoc in the Indian camp with his fast bowling. Jamieson picked up five wickets by conceding 31 runs in 22 overs. New Zealand were bowled out for 249, taking a lead of 32 runs in the first innings.
India’s misery was compounded in their second innings as they were bowled out for 170, raising hopes for a result in the rain-affected World Test Championship final. Tim Southee was India’s tormentor-in-chief as he dismissed fur Indian batsmen.
The intermittent rains continued to play a spoilsport washing away more than two days of play. The ICC had added one extra day in the final, making it a six-day event in anticipation of the famous English rains.
The Kiwis needed 139 runs to win the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship final. Their openers namely Tom Latham and Davon Conway made their intention clear that they wanted a win and were not playing for a draw.
New Zealand batsmen continued to maintain their aggressive approach even after Latham and Conway departed scoring 9 and 19 respectively. Skipper Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor hit Indian bowlers all around the park. Williamson and Taylor remained unbeaten at 51 and 53 respectively. Quire appropriately, Taylor hit a huge six to seal the victory for his side.
Taylor was dropped by Cheteshwar Pujara in the slip cordon off the bowling of Jasprit Bumrah when the former was batting at 26. In contrast, New Zealand players were very disciplined with their fielding except for the rare drop by Tim Southee, whose failure to hold on to a catch in the slip provided the much-needed life to Rishabh Pant. Pant went on to make 41, the highest score by an Indian in the second innings.