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Test Cricket has been fortunate enough to witness some stupendous and mesmerizing performances in the past month, kudos and credits to the Black Caps. Be it the 1-run Victory against England or chasing down 285 runs on the last Day of the Test Match against Sri Lanka, New Zealand has proved its mettle as one of the Best test-playing Nations In the World. While Cricket Experts talk about Test cricket losing its true essence, feats like these would give them some assurance.
With the Second Test of the Sri Lanka Tour of New Zealand ending today, this test marks the culmination of The World Test Championship 2021-23’s League Stage. India and Australia have already booked their places in the last week, after India won the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2-1 and now they wait to see each other at The Oval, London on the 7th of June.
Sri Lanka misses the Finals spot in the Championship Table
As Australia booked its place in the Test Championship final after the Indore Test, India and Sri Lanka appeared to be on the same page, as both of them were eyeing a place in the Finale. With Sri Lanka having to win both its tests against New Zealand, the equation seemed to be tough, but not impossible.
But New Zealand seemed to have different plans for them. The First Test just depicted the utter dominance of the Black Caps on the Lankans, as they fired a hasty 285 on the last day, leaving the Sri Lankan dressing room all confused. Though New Zealand didn’t have any chances to reach the Final because of some poor performances at the start of the Tournament but the ‘Defending Champions’ have made their mark in the books of Test Cricket.
Moving into the Second Test Match, Sri Lanka didn’t seem to gain control at any point of instance. The Kiwis looked ferocious from day 1, as prolific Double Centuries from Williamson and Nicholls led New Zealand to 580/4 as they were compelled to Declare to get a result out of this Test Match. The cherry on the Cake for them was the shambolic batting by the Sri Lankans which lead them to a collapse at a meagre score of 164 even after a splendid knock of 89 runs by the skipper Karunaratne.
With 416 runs still in the bag, New Zealand imposed follow-on on the guests. This time the batsmen looked to be in good control with the skipper smashing another Half century before losing his wicket to Matt Henry at 50 runs. Meanwhile, Dhananjaya De Silva looked flawless on the pitch, with some well-timed straight drives and caused a lot of trouble for the Kiwi Pace Attack. Unfortunately, he lost his wicket To Michael Bracewell as he slipped a catch into the hands of Henry Nicholls, just 2 runs away from a well-deserved hundred. His knock of 98 off 185 deliveries comprised 12 fours and 1 six.
New Zealand managed to score an easy victory by an Innings and 58 runs, just before the end of Day 4 of the test.
Kane Williamson flourishes once again
One of the great 4 of the Modern day Cricket, Kane Williamson has been known for his calm and composed nature all across the cricketing industry. Leading New Zealand into the finals of more than 5 ICC Tournaments and being the Defending Champion of the ICC World Test Championship 2021, he has continued to outwit the opponents one after another.
The ongoing Test Series proved to be a Feather on the Cap for the Former Kiwi skipper as he scored 337 runs from the bat in the 2 Match Test Series and bagged the “Man of the Tournament” Title. His Match-winning Century in the 1st test, of 121 runs of 194 deliveries, where he stayed glued to the crease until the last Ball, is something that would be remembered for times to come. In the 2nd test Match, he slammed a Double Century at the Wellington Cricket Ground,equalling The great Sachin Tendulkar’s Record, with 215 runs off 296 balls from his closet.
With the IPL approaching near and the ICC ODI Championship lined up in October, Cricket fans would look forward to seeing some exceptional performances from the “Captain Cool”.
The Finale of the World Test Championship 2024 awaits astounding Action
The culmination of this test Series brings us to the end of League Stage Matches of the World Test Championship 2021-23. While South Africa would still review where they went wrong, from being potential Finale contenders for this Year’s Championship, Aussies would be happy with their dominating performances after having topped the Table since the very beginning. The Men in Blue once again make it to the Final of the World Test Championship after having performed tremendously well in and out of home and would look to get back, what slipped off their hands 2 years back.
Image Source: Nde Che
The Oval happens to be a swinging and tactical pitch. With the Slight Winters and Monsoon approaching England in June, both Nations would be looking forward to working on their Pace attacks before they reach The Oval for the World Test Championship Final from 7th-11th June 2024.
Image Source: ESPN Cricinfo
While India would desperately look forward towards Bumrah and Rishabh Pant’s quick recovery to the team, the Aussie players look all tuned up for the 2 months of cricketing extravaganza in the IPL, where they could test their capabilities and prepare well for the upcoming Tournaments.
MATCHES TO WAIT FOR: India Vs Australia 3rd ODI
WHEN: 22nd March, 1:30 PM IST, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
