So Wassup guys,
And the result is here.New Zealand team was ultimately crowned as the World Test champions after a thrilling but unlikely 6 day Test Match.2 days of the test was completely washed out without even a ball being bowled.Draw was always on cards and no country fan would in his wildest dreams would have imagined there would be a result after the washout on Day 1 and Day 4.Thanks to ICC for the reserve day which ultimately helped New Zealand to win their first big ICC tournament ever.This will be a special one for Kiwis as their name will always be on Hall of Fame as the Inaugural World Test Champions.
Though I am disappointed for the Team India's loss as they were not good enough even too pull off a draw but the credit completely goes to New Zealand for the fighting spirit they have shown at each and every stage of the game.The game until the end of 5th day was never a one sided affair. Just when you think one team id definitely ahead in the game the other team would show their character and pull it back.It came down to who breaks first in the pressure situation and New Zealand players seemed to be better in holding their nerve as they just forced the result on the final day.Heading into reserve day with India having 8 wickets in hand and sun completely out for the first time in the Test match, though New Zealand were favourites at that point draw was the only result that a cricketing brain can think off.
Early wickets would give New Zealand a chance but the big draw was always on cards. Not only did New Zealand get early wickets but the way in which their bowlers bowled intimidated Indian batsmen and pressurised them to make mistakes who after great effort could just survive for a session and half before completely surrendering.With just 136 needed New Zealand were the only team that can go for a win with more than 53 overs still to be bowled in the day. Indian bowlers still could have forced them to go for a draw with early 2 or 3 wickets otherwise there was no chance at all for them in the match.Though India get the openers wickets early enough, Williamson's class act and Ross Taylor's composure saw them through the end line comfortably.
New Zealand truly deserved the cup as I think the Team just forced the result by their exceptional performance on the final day of the test match. There was no intent on offer from the India camp or it was just overshadowed in the desperation shown by New Zealand team to win the match at any cost.Indian Middle Order failed completely and tailenders were done and dusted in a span of few consecutive overs by extraordinary Kiwi bowlers.Indian team definitely lacked real match practise entering the finale which was evident as the days progressed in the test match as they were unable to deliver in crunch moments.One cannot be harsh and over analyse the performance of Team India as they played with utmost commitment and great skill.As Virat rightly said -" Best Test Team Can't be decided over one game,WTC Final should be Best of three". He was spot on with his assessment post match and even I feel it should have been a series.India was the only team to have played 3 away series in WTC qualification phase and one bad hour cannot decide who is the best out there.A series would have been better to decide the champion.
Even though the great intent they showed in otherwise New Zealand favouring conditions were just commendable. As a test cricket fan watching the two best Test Nations at present competing for the Pinnacle status of Champions in Test cricket never was boring and just was a thriller as one would expect.
It left the fans completely satisfied in the end who ever concerned about the rain ruining the match.I don't think no other place would have had a test match with days being washed out and out field being perfectly fine the next day.Kudos to all the groundsmen in Ageas Bowl,Southampton who made the match possible.
Even Rain , bad light, wet outfield and completely washed out days could not take away excitement away from the true cricketing fans as both teams but out their best show and the better team just found upper hand over another.I feel Kane Williamson's nice guys were always unlucky in ICC tournaments even after putting up a great show in 2015 and 2019 scars will still be in their minds but this will be ultimate pay off to all their hard work they have put up and a great closure to their despair all these years.
