Ishandeb Tula
New Zealand defeated England in the second test match of the two-match series at Edgbaston by eight wickets. With this victory, Kiwis moves to the top of the ICC Test rankings with team India finishing on a close second.
New Zealand finished at 123 points whereas India at the second position are on 121 points. Both heavyweights will be facing off against each other in the ICC World Test Championship Final starting June 18th at the Ageas Bowl.
The first test match played at Lord’s stadium ended in a draw. However, New Zealand were able to win in the second match at Edgbaston by eight wickets. This is their first series win in England in 22 years.
Pacer Matt Henry has been declared as the Player of the Match for his brilliant bowling. He picked up three English scalps in either inning. England batsman Rory Burns was adjudged the Player of the Series for his impressive form.
“Yeah, it’s great, what a way to finish the series. Special shout out to the crowd, lot of Kiwi support out there as well, special to get a win like that. Incredible, they’ve come out in numbers, great energy and everyone embraced it. Past experience here, and having an understanding of surfaces and how to go about your work, gives you confidence coming in. Really sound wicket day one and two, seemed to get a bit quicker and we knew it would be a new-ball wicket, because once people got adjusted it was tough work,” said Henry.
“We put that pressure on and got wickets in clumps. Easy to get motivated, playing Tests cricket for NZ, every time you get that opportunity you enjoy it, want to go out and do your role. Knowing the series was on the line, doesn’t get better, great to be on the right side of it,”
It will be a sign of worry for India if Matt Henry and Trent Boult continue their good form in the final. Moreover, New Zealand have the edge having been engaged in competitive cricket before the finale.
