IND vs NZ, WTC final: Records galore as New Zealand crowned the 'King of Test Cricket'
New Zealand proved that it is invincible when it comes to the game's longest format, as it tamed India to win the 2019-21 ICC World Test Championship final at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. It is NZ's first ICC title in 21 years, as numerous records were scripted.
FollowEven the rain gods could not help India avoid a defeat, as New Zealand over smarted it to win the ICC World Test Championship 2019-21 final at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Wednesday. As New Zealand won its first ICC title in 21 years and second overall, various records scripted on Day 6 that we take a look at.
First time since 1979
Test cricket is usually played for five days. However, for this final, ICC put a reserve day in place. Thanks to persistent rains over the past few days, it was the first time since 1979 that a Test match was played on the sixth day.
First for India since 2018
Unfortunately, no Indian managed to score a half-century in this Test, with Ajinkya Rahane being the top scorer of 49. Consequently, it was the first time since 2018 that no Indian could achieve a 50 in a Test.
NZ pacers getting it all
NZ was ingenious in utilising five pacers in this tie. Nevertheless, it turned out to be effective as they claimed all the 20 wickets. As a result, it was only the fourth time that they managed to do so against India.
Ravichandran Ashwin has a few numbers
- It was the sixth time that Ashwin got rid of Latham in Tests. He happens to be the most successful Indian against the Kiwi, besides being the second overall, while English pacer Stuart Broad has dismissed him on most occasions (8).
- Since 2010, as a spinner, Ashwin has given the opening breakthroughs in each innings of a Test in England on most occasions (2), while it was only the third instance of the same, with the other being Moeen Ali.
- Ashwin also became the leading wicket-taker in the WTC, with 71 hauls, going past Australia's Pat Cummins (70).
NZ registers a first
It was the first time that NZ managed to win three successive Tests against India. The two wins before this final came last year during the two-Test series in the Tasmanian country.
Match summary
NZ had invited India to bat first, as it was bowled out for 217, thanks to pacer Kyle Jamieson's five-for. NZ managed 249, courtesy of Devon Conway's 54. In the second, India could work just 170, with Tim Southee claiming four, while in reply, it was skipper Kane Williamson's unbeaten 52 that sealed the deal.
Brief scores: India 217 & 170 (Pant- 41; Southee- 4/48) lost to New Zealand 249 & 140/2 (Williamson- 52*; Ashwin 2/17) by eight wickets.
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