New Zealand wrote history in Southampton by defeating India in the World Test Championship Final (WTC). With an 8-wicket victory, they became the first WTC champions. India had fallen for 170 runs in the second innings earlier in the day, leaving the Kiwis with a fourth-inning target of 139 runs. India’s top scorer was Rishabh Pant, who scored 41 runs off 88 balls.
In 19 overs, Tim Southee took four wickets for 48 runs. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and veteran batsman Ross Taylor delivered fine knocks to secure victory for their team in pursuit of the target. Ravi Ashwin took both of India’s wickets. This was only New Zealand’s second ICC tournament trophy. They previously won the Champions Trophy in 2000, defeating India in the final by four wickets.
World Test Championship Final 2021: India vs New Zealand.
The first edition of the ICC World Test Championship was probably the biggest disappointment in the ICC tournament’s history. Unfortunately, heavy rains caused the first day of the final to be washed out without a ball being bowled. Team India batted first on the second day, finishing the day with a total of 146/3 in 64.4 overs. On the third day, India bowled 27.3 overs and New Zealand bowled 49 overs, for a total of 76.3 overs bowled. The final scores for both teams were 217/10 and 101/2. Meanwhile, due to the constant rain, Day 4 was completely ruined. Kane Williamson became New Zealand’s second ICC trophy winner. Stephen Fleming had previously served as a captain in the Champions Trophy in 2000.
WTC 2021 Prize Money New Zealand vs India.
New Zealand’s victory was a result of their relentless seam bowling attack, brilliant planning, mind-blowing execution, brilliant captaincy, disciplined fielding, and tenacious batting. The pace attack executed the plans nearly flawlessly, the fielders, except for a couple of hiccups, hardly dropped anything, and their batting was more accustomed to grinding out tough conditions.
As a result, New Zealand not only won the Test Mace. But also the ICC’s $1.6 million cash prize for winning the inaugural World Test Championship. Team India, on the other hand, finished as runners-up despite dominating the WTC cycle, and thus received a total of $800,000.
Why Did New Zealand Win the ICC World Test Championship?
New Zealand Excellent Bowling Showcase.
New Zealand bowled superbly in both innings. Kyle Jamieson, the man of the match in the World Test Championship finals. He was very economical with his bowling spells and picked up the only fifer in the test. Jamieson maintained his excellent form in the second innings, taking two crucial wickets of Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli.
Selection of a Pretty Balanced Team.
In the World Test Championship, the team selection was excellent. For the New Zealand team, who went in without a spinner and added seam-bowling all-rounder Colin De Grandhomme. It paid off handsomely for the Kiwis, as they maintained pressure from both ends and had enough quicks to rotate around. Every fast bowler on the team contributed to the wicket total, and the combined team effort was much needed. In comparison to the Indian team selection, the batting looked really solid, and it was a well-balanced team for the conditions.
Tail-enders Contribution To BIG Totals.
New Zealand received adequate contributions from the tail-enders, which was critical in the match’s circumstances. India had a huge opportunity to bowl out New Zealand for less than 200 runs in their first innings and take a decisive lead, which could have changed the course of the game dramatically. However, this was not the case, and the tailenders continued to suffocate the Indian team.
When Jamieson joined hands with Williamson in their first innings, New Zealand was struggling at 162 for the loss of six wickets. Jamieson played a quickfire 20-run knock, which was followed by Tim Southee’s 30-run knock. Because of the alliances, India was unable to run through New Zealand’s tail. The Indian tail contributed little, but it proved to be a huge advantage for New Zealand.
