Published By: Sanchari Das

IND vs. NZ Test: The WTC Heatbreak India Must Remember & Recall Ahead of the First Test vs. the Kiwis

The 2021 WTC final began as a tightly contested game

After dominating Bangladesh in a two-test series, Rohit Sharma's India is ready for the next challenge. A three-match Test series against New Zealand, led by Tom Latham, kicks off soon. India, sitting on top of the WTC standings, will need to stay sharp. Winning all three matches is crucial to keep their lead in the race to the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final. Their last WTC encounter with New Zealand brings back memories of a heartbreaking loss in 2021.

India's first innings

The 2021 WTC final began as a tightly contested game. India, batting first, posted a score of 217. Virat Kohli's steady 44 and Ajinkya Rahane's composed 49 were the standout performances. Rohit Sharma added 34, but the rest of the lineup faltered under pressure. New Zealand's Kyle Jamieson was the key destroyer, claiming a five-wicket haul and limiting India's ability to set a higher total. Despite decent starts, India couldn't capitalise on their opportunities.

New Zealand's response

New Zealand, in reply, managed a score of 249, giving them a slim first-innings lead. Devon Conway's well-compiled 54 and Kane Williamson's patient 49 kept the Kiwi innings steady. India's Mohammed Shami was relentless with the ball, taking four wickets, while Ishant Sharma picked up 3. Although India fought hard, the Kiwis had gained an advantage, however slight, with their first-innings performance. The game remained finely poised at this stage.

India's struggles in the second innings

India's second innings started with hope but ended in disappointment. They could only manage 170 runs, with Rishabh Pant's counter-attacking 41 being the highlight. Rohit Sharma again contributed with 30, but the rest of the lineup collapsed under New Zealand's disciplined bowling attack. Tim Southee, with four wickets, and Trent Boult, with three, ran through the Indian side, while Kyle Jamieson continued his brilliance, taking two more wickets.

A calm New Zealand chase

Chasing 139 to win, New Zealand lost early wickets, but their experienced middle order took them home. Tom Latham and Devon Conway fell early, but Kane Williamson's calm 52* and Ross Taylor's steady 47* saw them through. Williamson survived a critical LBW review early in his innings, and from there, he and Taylor built an unbroken partnership of 96 runs, guiding New Zealand to an 8-wicket victory with just seven overs left in the match.

The turning point

Kyle Jamieson's performance was the defining factor in the match. His 5-wicket haul in the first innings and two crucial wickets in the second derailed India's batting efforts. Jamieson's accurate bowling, combined with his contribution of 21 runs in New Zealand's first innings, earned him the Player of the Match award. His all-round brilliance turned the game in New Zealand's favour, leaving India's batting lineup struggling to cope.

The legacy of the 2021 WTC final

The WTC Final wasn't just another match—it was a game that elevated New Zealand to cricketing greatness. Winning their first major ICC trophy, New Zealand toppled India, the dominant force in Test cricket, in a thrilling contest. India's inability to put together big scores and capitalise on key moments ultimately led to their downfall. For New Zealand, it was a moment of history, forever remembered as the day they stunned the world.