3 Reasons Why New Zealand Won The ICC World Test Championship Final

New Zealand went on to put up an excellent performance in the ICC World Test Championship finals against India and won the inaugural edition of the tournament comfortably. The Kiwis deserved the title for their excellent run of form and their preparation so far for the tournament with a 1-0 win against England.

Despite India starting off well in the first innings, New Zealand managed to keep their spirits up and made an excellent comeback to roll up India for just 217 runs. They batted brilliantly and brought up a crucial 32 run lead which in the circumstances looked like an 80 run lead. Here are 3 reasons why New Zealand won the ICC World Test Championship finals.

3 Reasons Why New Zealand Won The ICC World Test Championship Final

3.Contribution From Tail Enders:

New Zealand had enough contributions from the tail-enders which was very crucial in the match circumstances. India had a big opportunity to bundle up New Zealand for less than 200 in their first innings and take a decisive lead which could have made things much different. However, it was not the case and the tailenders kept rubbing salts on the wounds of the Indian team.

New Zealand was struggling at 162 for the loss of six wickets when Jamieson joined hands with Williamson in their first innings and Jamieson played a quickfire 20 run knock followed by Tim Southee adding 30 runs. The partnerships meant that India couldn’t run through the New Zealand tail. The Indian tail hardly made contributions and it proved to be a huge advantage for New Zealand.

2.Balanced Team Selection:

The team selection was so good in the World Test Championship for the New Zealand team who went in with no spinner and added Colin De Grandhomme as the seam-bowling all-rounder. It paid off really well for the Kiwis as they kept the pressure going from both ends and they had enough quicks to rotate around.

Every fast bowler in the side contributed to the wicket column and the combined team effort was very much the need of the hour. The batting too looked really solid and it was a well-balanced team for the conditions in comparison with the Indian team selection.

1.Great Bowling Display:

New Zealand bowled brilliantly in both innings and they kept asking a lot of questions to the Indian batsman failed to show enough grit. Kyle Jamieson who was the man of the match in the World Test Championship finals was so economical in his bowling spells and he picked up the only fifer in the test. He continued his good form into the second innings as well picking up two crucial wickets of Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli.

Tim Southee picked up four wickets in the second innings and he used his experience wisely in the game. He bowled both the inswingers as well as outswingers and kept the batsmen guessing. Neil Wagner’s short-ball strategy worked in the first innings against Rahane and his battle against Rishabh Pant in the second innings was a joy to watch. Trent Boult chipped in three wickets in the second innings and all the fast bowlers were on the money.