The Kane Williamson-led New Zealand defied all odds to beat India in the ICC World Test Championship Final at The Rose Bowl Stadium in Southampton. Like many other Cricket Pundits and fans, Australian Test Captain Tim Paine, too, predicted an India win before the final.
After New Zealand’s 8-wicket win in a rain-marred final, Tim Paine, on Newstalk ZB, said,
“We all get some wrong. I copped a bit from the Kiwi fans so I thought I’d come on air and eat some humble pie. I thought the New Zealanders played outstandingly. It’s always a pleasure to watch the way they go about it.”
Kane Williamson has a new best friend 🥰
Take a behind the scenes look as the @BLACKCAPS skipper smiles for the cameras with the #WTC21 Final mace 📸 pic.twitter.com/SCvEdkfghl
— ICC (@ICC) June 25, 2021
I respect what Kiwis do on the international stage: Tim Paine
Tim Paine apologized to the New Zealand Cricket fans and added that beating a heavyweight side like India in the biggest stage possible deserves a lot of accolades.
“For such a small nation — I’m from Tasmania which is obviously our smallest resource state and we punch above our weight — so I certainly respect what the Kiwis do on an international stage.”
The first day of the World Test Championship final was abandoned without any play due to heavy rains. After winning the toss on day 2, New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson asked India to bat first. The Indian batting line-up, after a brilliant start by the openers, crumbled against the kiwi pacers and were bowled out for 217. In reply to India’s first innings total, New Zealand managed 249/10 to take a 32-run lead.
As more than, the final saw more than 6 sessions being washed out due to rain, a reserve day came into play. Measured bowling approach by the Kiwi pacers helped India to restrict at 170 and set themselves a target of mere 170 in the last innings. On the back of Skipper Kane Williamson’s 52* off 89 deliveries and Veteran Ross Taylor’s 47* off 100 deliveries, New Zealand raced towards an 8-wicket victory over the India team to become the first-ever ICC World Test Champions.
