India last met New Zealand in an ICC trophy final during the 2021 ICC World Test Championship Final in Southampton. In this high-stakes match, New Zealand dominated India with an exceptional bowling attack, restricting them to 217 in the first innings. Kyle Jamieson was the standout performer, taking five wickets, including the key dismissal of Virat Kohli. In the second innings, India struggled again, managing just 170 runs, with Tim Southee leading the bowling attack with four wickets, supported by Trent Boult and Jamieson.
- India’s Batting Struggles: Virat Kohli (44) and Ajinkya Rahane (49) showed resistance but couldn’t build a big partnership.
- New Zealand’s Bowling Masterclass: Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, and Trent Boult dismantled India’s batting lineup.
- Match-Winning Chase: New Zealand comfortably chased 139 runs, with Kane Williamson scoring a crucial 50 runs and Ross Taylor adding 47 runs.
New Zealand’s Strategy That Secured the Win
New Zealand’s bowlers applied relentless pressure on Indian batters with accurate line and length. Kyle Jamieson’s five-wicket haul in the first innings limited India to a subpar total. In the second innings, Tim Southee (4 wickets) and Trent Boult (3 wickets) dismantled India’s batting, ensuring a small target for their batters to chase.
India’s Response to the Challenge
India’s batting lineup failed to capitalize on partnerships. Ajinkya Rahane (49) and Virat Kohli (44) fought hard, but New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack prevented any major partnerships. In the second innings, Rohit Sharma (30) and Rishabh Pant (41) made efforts, but India couldn’t set a challenging total.
How New Zealand Secured the Championship
Despite losing two early wickets, New Zealand comfortably chased the 139-run target. Kane Williamson (50) and Ross Taylor (47) guided their team to victory, securing New Zealand’s first ICC World Test Championship title.
Match Summary
| Team | 1st Innings Score | 2nd Innings Score | Top Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 217 | 170 | Rahane (49), Kohli (44), Pant (41) |
| New Zealand | 249 | 140/2 | Williamson (50*), Taylor (47*), Jamieson (5 wickets) |
New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack and a calm chase under pressure helped them win their first ICC World Test Championship, while India was left searching for redemption in future tournaments.
Check out the Champions Trophy Stats
