New Zealand national cricket team scripted history by becoming the first team to win the inaugural edition of the ICC World Test Championship in June. Even as it kept raining in Southampton for the best part of the game, New Zealand delivered a complete performance across facets and handled pressure well to overcome India by eight wickets. The Black Caps have begun their nationwide tour with the mace.
Paceman Kyle Jamieson’s impact was the most in the game as he ended up with seven wickets in the match, including dismissing Virat Kohli twice. New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first on the second day after the entire day one washed out due to persistent rains. Even though India stitched a 62-run opening stand, the Kiwi bowlers pulled it back and dismissed their opposition for 217.
The Kiwis took a handy 32-run lead after India bowled them out for 249. The final went into the reserve sixth day as Virat Kohli’s men had the perfect batting conditions on their hands. Nevertheless, India could not make full use of it. Rishabh Pant top-scored with 41 as India managed only 170, setting the Black Caps 139 to win. Jamieson, who took a fifer in the first innings, ended with two more scalps. Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson stitched a 96-run stand to script a win by eight wickets.
Below is the photo posted by the Black Caps’ official Twitter handle of New Zealand starting their mace tour:
🚨 ATTENTION AUCKLAND 🚨 The #WTC21 #MaceTour is heading your way!
Download the NZC App or visit https://t.co/x0yvn15B4E for full details on where you can catch the team 👍#BACKTHEBLACKCAPS #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/Gt8ImW2VDZ
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) July 26, 2021
Thank you Whangārei! Great start to the Mace Tour in Northland and the @ndcricket region. The next fan event is tomorrow in Auckland at @edenparknz from 11-30am #MaceTour #WTC21 pic.twitter.com/dvX23iIpwe
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) July 26, 2021
Thanks for having us today @EmiratesTeamNZ! Thanks also to @NetballNZ for bringing out the @NetballWorldCup for the afternoon. #MaceTour #WTC21 pic.twitter.com/UO6EVYRrjZ
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) July 26, 2021
The Mace meets the Auld Mug and the Netball World Cup in Auckland 📍 #MaceTour #WTC21 pic.twitter.com/ZWlj41N7rB
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) July 26, 2021
An early look from above at @edenparknz for @NeilWagner13, @AjazP and @wersomerville ahead of tomorrow's #MaceTour fan event! The Eden Park event starts tomorrow at 11-30am. #WTC21 pic.twitter.com/Rokeo8ZAEh
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) July 26, 2021
Next stop, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland for the Amazing Mace – The BLACKCAPS’ whistle-stop tour of New Zealand to celebrate their ICC World Test Championship title win @edenparknz tomorrow 11.30am – 1.30pm – Entry through Gate J pic.twitter.com/7mcipTQ1Rg
— AucklandNZ.com (@Auckland_NZ) July 26, 2021
From Maungakaramea to the World🌏! A special start to the #MaceTour this morning for proud Northlander Tim Southee with a visit to his family farm and the Northland cricket club he still plays for – Maungakaramea #WTC21 pic.twitter.com/WKFzuMYfaF
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) July 26, 2021
