The ‘Ultimate Test’, as the WTC Final is called, had to endure another grim day as the rain was relentless on Monday, forcing the umpires to abandon Day 4. This comes as a body blow to the cricket fans, who were keenly waiting to see the top 2 Test teams in action.
The first day saw a wash-out as well, but days 2 and 3 were much more engaging. After being sent in to bat first, India got off to a good start but failed to capitalize on it. As soon as Rohit Sharma perished on 34 with the total reading 62, India went on to lose a couple more wickets but ended Day 2 on 146/3, with skipper Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane looking strong.
However, a new day meant a fresh start for the Kiwi bowlers, who came out all guns blazing in the morning session on Day 3. They blew away India for a paltry 217, with Rahane ending up as the top-scorer, making 49 before offering a dolly to Tom Latham at square leg.
New Zealand lose their openers in the final session as they go to stumps on 101/2, trailing India by 116 runs.#WTC21 Final | #INDvNZ | https://t.co/384ZivHQu3 pic.twitter.com/QUv88e6OXB
— ICC (@ICC) June 20, 2021
New Zealand had a similar start, with Tom Latham and Devon Conway playing steadily. However, a momentary lapse in concentration from Latham saw him hole out to Kohli at the cover. Conway was soon dismissed as well but the Kiwis were on top, at 101/2 at the end of Day 3.
Although India were in a tough spot with their backs to the wall, the ‘Turbanator’ Harbhajan Singh continued to believe in the team. The Asian Giants have been in similar situations before only to come out on top, and this was probably the basis on which Harbhajan tweeted:
Team India had a bad day yesterday on the field.good thing is it’s past now..backing Team India to be at their best today to win all 3 sessions.. it is POSSIBLE.. do it boys @BCCI game on #ICCWTCFinal #INDvsNZ
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 21, 2021
However, one thing that Harbhajan didn’t consider, was the possibility of the rain playing a part. Twitterati promptly pointed this out, albeit in their own style.
Here are some of the reactions to Bhajji’s tweet:
Rain will win Today
— Arjun (@26rjun) June 21, 2021
https://twitter.com/anurag876/status/1406890498657185793?s=20
Don't write to gain browny points… today is rain day. Match kaha hoga
— INDIA DIL SE (@Indiandilse007) June 21, 2021
Today all 3 sessions winner will be Rain😂
— Sachinist Chandru (@vjchan757) June 21, 2021
Today’s gonna get washed out completely. Rain forecast for complete day.
— Vidya Sagar (@g_vidyasagar) June 21, 2021
Ya right pic.twitter.com/X772ljEEg8
— Sherry The Gamer (@Mohammed_Sherry) June 21, 2021
