ICC WTC Final 2021: Twitter Reacts As New Zealand Beat India To Win The Inaugural Test Championship

A disciplined bowling effort and equally gritty batting has propelled New Zealand to their second ICC title as the Kane Williamson-led unit beat India to win the ICC World Test Championship.

Starting the day at 2/64 and just 32 runs ahead, India needed its two most experienced campaigners in Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara to play out a majority of the 1st session.

However, Kyle Jamieson had other ideas as he beautifully set up both Kohli and Pujara to land back-to-back body blows on India in the first hour.

Jamieson’s first victim was Virat Kohli, who after having been troubled by the incoming deliveries, got sucked into edging the away-going ball.

Kyle Jamieson dealt another body blow on Team India by pricing out yet another scalp in the form of Cheteshwar Pujara.

It all happened in the 38th over of the innings when Pujara poked half-heartedly at a good length delivery to give an easy catch at the slip cordon.

It was a perfect set-up by Jamieson. The tall lanky pacer had moved two fielders deep into the leg-side to lull Pujara into the thought process that a bouncer was in the offing.

In reality, Jamieson bowled a good length delivery and Pujara couldn’t resist but poke at it. And, the disappointment on his face was quite evident.

Jamieson could have got Rishabh Pant as well but for Tim Southee, who dropped a simple catch in the slip cordon.

Pant lived dangerously during his stay at the crease as he regularly danced down the track against the likes of Neil Wagner.

Trent Boult, on the other hand, was troubling Ajinkya Rahane with the away-going delivery throughout his spell.

But, once Rahane smashed him with a square cut for a boundary, it looked as if the vice-captain was finally getting on top of him.

Boult, however, had the last laugh as he dismissed Ajinkya Rahane against the run-of-play to take New Zealand one step closer to the ICC World Test Championship title by strangling him down the leg side.

India went into the Lunch break with just 98 runs ahead.

Neil Wagner persisted and persisted with his short pitch ploy against Ravindra Jadeja and he was well finally rewarded as he got one to cut across the left-hander and take his outside edge.

The clincher for New Zealand came in the 70th over when Rishabh Pant once again danced down the track to smash Trent Boult out of sight.

He did connect this time around but the problem was he didn’t get the connection from the middle of the bat.

The ball went a long way up in the air and Henry Nicholls, who was standing in the slip cordon, ran backward to complete a stunning catch.

And, with that catch, he also proceeded to end India’s hopes of getting to a competitive lead.

Pant was immediately followed by Ashwin, who went slashing at a wide delivery to give an easy catch in the slips.

Mohammed Shami played a few strokes before he eventually holed out in the deep while Jasprit Bumrah lasted just 4 balls as India folded for a mere 170 with an overall lead of 138.

Ravichandran Ashwin swallowed both Tom Latham and Devon Conway after the Tea break.

The off-spinner first dismissed Tom Latham, who in an attempt to hoike him across the line, got stumped.

Then, it was the turn of Devon Conway.

It all happened on the second ball of the 17th over when Devon Conway, in an attempt to defend the ball outside the line, was undone by the drift.

As a result, the ball smashed his front pad and the umpire had no hesitation in raising his finger. Conway had a discussion with skipper Kane Williamson as to whether he should take a review or not but eventually he decided against it and walked back to the pavilion.

However, the experienced duo of Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson ensured that there were no last-minute twists as New Zealand centered to an eight-wicket-win to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Seriously LOVED that embrace between #<!---->K<!---->a<!---->n<!---->e<!---->W<!---->i<!---->l<!---->l<!---->i<!---->a<!---->m<!---->s<!---->o<!---->n and #<!---->R<!---->o<!---->s<!---->s<!---->T<!---->a<!---->y<!---->l<!---->o<!---->r . They have been through so much together in that dressing room over the years. #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l

— RK (@RK_sports) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

“Nice guys do finish first sometimes” @<!---->S<!---->d<!---->o<!---->u<!---->l<!---->l . Absolutely right. Well done @<!---->B<!---->L<!---->A<!---->C<!---->K<!---->C<!---->A<!---->P<!---->S well deserved.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

NZ looked like World Champions when they marmalised England a couple of weeks ago. And that was without Williamson, Watling, Jamieson, Southee, and CDG. Make no mistake, this is a fabulous team/squad. Dare I say it, the best in the world. #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l

— daniel norcross (@norcrosscricket) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

NEW ZEALAND ARE THE INAUGURAL ICC WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS ?#<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->2<!---->1 Final | #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->N<!---->Z | @<!---->B<!---->L<!---->A<!---->C<!---->K<!---->C<!---->A<!---->P<!---->S p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->H<!---->M<!---->I<!---->a<!---->Y<!---->I<!---->3<!---->2<!---->A<!---->z

— ICC (@ICC) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

2013 CT – Ind
2014 T20 WC – SL
2015 ODI WC – Aus
2016 T20 WC – WI
2017 CT – Pak
2019 ODI WC – Eng
2021 WTC – NZ

Pretty Amazing this for International Cricket.
7 different winners #<!---->I<!---->C<!---->C #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l

— Gaurav Sundararaman (@gaurav_sundar) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Congratulations @<!---->B<!---->L<!---->A<!---->C<!---->K<!---->C<!---->A<!---->P<!---->S Worthy champions ?? they have played some consistently high grade cricket over the past few years #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l

— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

?? bring up their 100!

They inch closer to the target, needing 39 runs for victory.#<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->2<!---->1 Final | #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->N<!---->Z | h<!---->t<!---->t<!---->p<!---->s<!---->:<!---->/<!---->/<!---->t<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->/<!---->5<!---->3<!---->o<!---->s<!---->c<!---->G<!---->t<!---->H<!---->Q<!---->C p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->r<!---->8<!---->n<!---->U<!---->u<!---->X<!---->3<!---->e<!---->j<!---->0

— ICC (@ICC) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Pujara does a Southee, now go bowl, dude

— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Vital flurry of runs for New Zealand. Three boundaries from Ross Taylor in the last two overs have reduced the required run rate to 2.7rpo. Bad light does not look likely; for now, New Zealand have this back under control. #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Ravichandran Ashwin becomes the first spinner to dismiss Devon Conway in Test cricket. #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Nice when a plan comes together. Ashwin averages 19 v lefties & has dominated his Latham H2H. This graphic was shown two balls before he snared him for a sixth time. Beautiful piece of bowling to see Latham coming. #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->N<!---->Z #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->2<!---->1 p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->W<!---->u<!---->k<!---->1<!---->X<!---->G<!---->N<!---->Y<!---->x<!---->n

— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

165, 191, 242, 124, 217 & 170 – India's last six Test innings vs New Zealand #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l #<!---->N<!---->Z<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

#<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->N<!---->Z

I have been watching the game of cricket since last 30-32 yrs..lots of thing changed since then..lots of up & downs came in indian team..but one thing has been permanent…indian tailenders…they haven't changed at all…amazing consistency they have shown..#<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->N<!---->Z

— Bhushan Deshmukh (@bcdeshmukh83) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

https://twitter.com/GappistanRadio/status/1407695731759239178?s=19

Superb catch from Henry Nicholls to dismiss Rishabh Pant – New Zealand are on the charge. WinViz, as it stands, gives them a 57% chance of victory. #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Pant has thrown the match away. Absolutely useless

— Udit (@udit_buch) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

That wicket was liquid Wagner & the essence of NZ. Day six, the ninth over of Wagner's spell either side of lunch, fourteen consecutive short balls, then a fuller one. Jadeja's footwork was timid, the shot was tame. He was caught by a man with a dislocated finger. #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->N<!---->Z #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->2<!---->1

— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Me batting for the draw p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->t<!---->C<!---->5<!---->m<!---->M<!---->v<!---->m<!---->z<!---->E<!---->E

— The Grade Cricketer (@gradecricketer) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

https://twitter.com/im_yash2307/status/1407663229023649794?s=19

New Zealand pick up 3 wickets in the first session on Day 6 where India made 66 runs.

Where is the game heading? #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->a<!---->K<!---->B<!---->9<!---->Q<!---->p<!---->9<!---->W<!---->T<!---->y

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Since the start of 2018, India's 9-11 batsmen average 21 runs-per-Test. That's the worst of any side in the world. #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

The best thing about this Pant innings is you can make a good argument that it is in fact India's best route to safety. Time matters, yes; but runs buy India time. Pant is one of the best attacking batsmen of this generation. There's logic to his approach. #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->N<!---->Z #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->2<!---->1

— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

The most exciting Test player in the World is out there in the middle. Next 20 overs will decide the match . #<!---->I<!---->C<!---->C<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Since the start of 2019, New Zealand have taken 92% of their catches in the slips. That is an extremely unusual – and an extremely untimely – error in the Kiwi cordon. #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Kyle Jamieson This Session: 6-3-6-2#<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->N<!---->Z

— Rajesh Khilare (@Cricrajeshpk) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Kyle Jamieson bowled 14 balls to Virat Kohli in that innings – 6 were false shots. This is very, very on. #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

That game-changer in the NZ side…

— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Seemed round the corner. Kohli just didn't seem comfortable against Jamieson.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Average swing:

Last night – 1.85 degrees
This morning – 1.44 degrees#<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Good guys don’t always finish last….New Zealand have finally ended the two-decade ICC trophy drought. Even-stevens in the first innings but totally outplayed India in the second innings. Well done, ?? #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Big congratulations to New Zealand team…well deserved guys…First ever test championship team ??? p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->c<!---->y<!---->D<!---->R<!---->L<!---->y<!---->4<!---->F<!---->I<!---->e

— Mushfiqur Rahim (@mushfiqur15) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Congratulations to the Blackcaps for winning the inaugural World Test Championship. Very well deserved win.

Chin up #<!---->T<!---->e<!---->a<!---->m<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d<!---->i<!---->a, we will always stand behind you rock stong!#<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->s<!---->N<!---->Z

— Vinod Kambli (@vinodkambli349) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Well played @<!---->B<!---->L<!---->A<!---->C<!---->K<!---->C<!---->A<!---->P<!---->S …Well deserved Champions…!!
They proved that they are the best Test Team right now…#<!---->C<!---->o<!---->n<!---->g<!---->r<!---->a<!---->t<!---->s ??#<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->N<!---->Z #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->2<!---->1 #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l<!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

— Dimuth Karunarathna (@IamDimuth) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Congratulations to @<!---->B<!---->L<!---->A<!---->C<!---->K<!---->C<!---->A<!---->P<!---->S for being the first Test cricket champion . You guys deserve this. #<!---->K<!---->a<!---->n<!---->e<!---->W<!---->i<!---->l<!---->l<!---->i<!---->a<!---->m<!---->s<!---->o<!---->n #<!---->I<!---->C<!---->C<!---->W<!---->o<!---->r<!---->l<!---->d<!---->T<!---->e<!---->s<!---->t<!---->C<!---->h<!---->a<!---->m<!---->p<!---->i<!---->o<!---->n<!---->s<!---->h<!---->i<!---->p

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

A contest worthy to be called a Final.
The pendulum kept swinging both ways throughout the game but it was NZ who showed why they are the number 1 test side.
Congratulations to the @<!---->b<!---->l<!---->a<!---->c<!---->k<!---->c<!---->a<!---->p<!---->s!

Well played #<!---->T<!---->e<!---->a<!---->m<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d<!---->i<!---->a, proud today and always! @<!---->b<!---->c<!---->c<!---->i#<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->N<!---->Z

— DK (@DineshKarthik) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Congratulations @<!---->B<!---->L<!---->A<!---->C<!---->K<!---->C<!---->A<!---->P<!---->S. Quality performance. Deserved win ??

— Sir Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Congratulations @<!---->B<!---->L<!---->A<!---->C<!---->K<!---->C<!---->A<!---->P<!---->S ?????? well played ?? @<!---->B<!---->C<!---->C<!---->I u guys playing good cricket, we r proud of u always ????❤️❤️❤️ #<!---->W<!---->o<!---->r<!---->l<!---->d<!---->T<!---->e<!---->s<!---->t<!---->C<!---->h<!---->a<!---->m<!---->p<!---->i<!---->o<!---->n<!---->s<!---->h<!---->i<!---->p #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l #<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d<!---->i<!---->a<!---->V<!---->s<!---->N<!---->e<!---->w<!---->Z<!---->e<!---->a<!---->l<!---->a<!---->n<!---->d

— Rahul Sharma (@ImRahulSharma3) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

What a moment. They will cherish this for the rest of their lives. They all individually just became World Champs!! Sensational!! @<!---->B<!---->L<!---->A<!---->C<!---->K<!---->C<!---->A<!---->P<!---->S #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

????? h<!---->t<!---->t<!---->p<!---->s<!---->:<!---->/<!---->/<!---->t<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->/<!---->g<!---->E<!---->x<!---->v<!---->5<!---->D<!---->B<!---->l<!---->H<!---->T

— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Congrats @<!---->B<!---->L<!---->A<!---->C<!---->K<!---->C<!---->A<!---->P<!---->S on becoming the 1st ever world test champions! Terrific performance as a team, truly deserved! #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->N<!---->Z #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->F<!---->i<!---->n<!---->a<!---->l

— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

So proud of this group of men. 5 years ago this result would have been unimaginable. Enjoy tonight lads! @<!---->b<!---->l<!---->a<!---->c<!---->k<!---->c<!---->a<!---->p<!---->s

— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1