With the rise of the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship, cricket enthusiasts have witnessed a renewed interest in the oldest form of the game. The inaugural final of the ICC World Test Championship took place at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England, in June 2021. The final featured India and New Zealand, two cricketing powerhouses known for their competitive spirit and skilled players.
New Zealand emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter, showcasing their prowess as a Test-playing nation. The Kiwis put up a strong performance, especially in the bowling department, to outclass the Indian team and clinch the championship title. One of the key factors that contributed to New Zealand’s success was their exceptional bowling attack. The likes of Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, and Kyle Jamieson displayed top-notch bowling skills, troubling the Indian batsmen throughout the match.
Let’s delve deeper into the scorecard of the final match between India and New Zealand to understand how the game unfolded:
New Zealand’s Innings:
In the first innings, New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first. The Kiwi bowlers made early inroads into the Indian batting line-up, picking up crucial wickets at regular intervals. Kyle Jamieson was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, claiming a fifer and restricting India to a below-par total. Despite a fighting knock from Ajinkya Rahane, India were bowled out for a modest score.
India’s Innings:
In response, New Zealand posted a commendable total in their first innings, thanks to valuable contributions from Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, and Devon Conway. The Indian bowlers toiled hard but struggled to break through the resilient Kiwi batting line-up, with Ravichandran Ashwin being the standout performer with the ball.
New Zealand’s Second Innings:
With a lead in hand, New Zealand came out to bat in their second innings with the aim of setting a challenging target for India. The Indian bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma, fought back valiantly and managed to restrict New Zealand’s lead. However, the Kiwis managed to set a competitive target for India to chase in the final innings of the match.
India’s Second Innings:
Chasing a target to win the championship, India faced a daunting task against the quality New Zealand bowling attack. The Kiwi bowlers once again showcased their skills, with Kyle Jamieson wreaking havoc and dismantling the Indian batting order. Despite Ravindra Jadeja‘s resistance, India fell short of the target, handing New Zealand a historic victory in the ICC World Test Championship final.
Final Outcome:
New Zealand emerged victorious in the final match, winning the ICC World Test Championship title and etching their name in cricketing history. The Kiwis’ disciplined performance with both bat and ball proved to be the difference as they outclassed India in the ultimate showdown of Test cricket supremacy.
As cricket enthusiasts reflect on New Zealand’s triumph in the ICC World Test Championship, it serves as a testament to the team’s hard work, resilience, and determination to succeed at the highest level of the game. The victory also highlights the growing competitiveness and depth in Test cricket, with teams like New Zealand making significant strides and challenging the traditional cricketing powerhouses.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Who won the ICC World Test Championship final in 2021?
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New Zealand emerged victorious in the ICC World Test Championship final by defeating India.
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Who were the standout performers for New Zealand in the final match?
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Players like Kyle Jamieson, Kane Williamson, and Tim Southee played crucial roles in New Zealand’s success in the final.
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Which venue hosted the ICC World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand?
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The final match took place at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England.
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How did the Indian team perform in the ICC World Test Championship final?
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Despite putting up a spirited performance, India fell short in the final match against New Zealand.
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What was the significance of New Zealand’s victory in the ICC World Test Championship?
- New Zealand’s triumph highlighted their growth as a cricketing force and their ability to compete at the highest level in Test cricket.
In conclusion, New Zealand’s victory in the ICC World Test Championship final against India was a remarkable achievement for the Kiwi team and a testament to their skills and determination. The final showcased the beauty and intensity of Test cricket and underscored the growing competitiveness in the traditional format of the game. As teams continue to strive for excellence in Test cricket, fans can look forward to more exciting contests and memorable performances on the cricket field.
