Cricket News

'Bazball ki hawa nikal gayi' - Twitter erupts as New Zealand scripts dramatic 1-run win over England

New Zealand scripted history in Wellington after securing a dramatic one-run victory against England in the second Test.

author-image
Akshay
New Update
New Zeland cricket team

New Zeland cricket team (Source - Twitter)

New Zeland cricket team New Zeland cricket team (Source - Twitter)

New Zealand scripted a dramatic turnaround in the second Test against England by winning by the barest of the margins. The hosts were asked to follow on and with the margin of victory being just 1 run they grabbed the win from nowhere. Neil Wagner's four-wicket haul, including the decisive final wicket of James Anderson, powered Kiwis to register a historic win at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. One of the finest of the Tests ever ended with both teams sharing the trophy after leveling the series 1-1.

Chasing a target of 258, England resumed the play on final day at 48/1. England were on the brink of another thrilling victory with needing just two runs with a wicket in hand. But Wagner had other plans and Tom Blundell took a nice sharp catch to dismiss Anderson to lead New Zealand to a famous victory. Kane Williamson was awarded the man of the match after scoring a brilliant century in the second innings and leading the Kiwis to a total of 483 runs. Meanwhile, Harry Brook was named the player of the series for his brilliant performance in the series.

After securing a massive lead in the first innings, England was always favourites to win the game. England's former captain Joe Root and Brook smashed centuries to take the team to 435. In reply, Kiwi skipper Tim Southee was a lone fighter (73 off 49) and could take the team to only 209 runs. They were asked to follow on but responded befittingly in the second innings with a massive score of 483, thanks to Williamson's 132, Blundell's 90 and Tom Latham's 83.

'It was just incredible': Ben Stokes

After his side loss to an incredible game of cricket, England skipper Ben Stokes said that game is what Test cricket is about. Stokes said: “That game is what Test cricket is about, it was just incredible. The emotions we were going through and obviously the Kiwi boys out there as well. Was incredible to be involved in such a Test match. Everyone’s got their money’s worth.”

“It was a case of assessing the situations, we always knew that at some point in that partnership (between himself and Root), Tim was gonna have to roll the dice with something. Wags came on and blew the game open for them. For myself and Joe there, that was our opportunity to pounce,” he added.

Here's how Twitter reacted to New Zealand's famous win: 

'Bazball ki hawa nikal gayi' - Twitter erupts as New Zealand scripts dramatic 1-run win over England

England New Zealand Featured