India Qualify For WTC Final After New Zealand Defeat Sri Lanka In Christchurch Nail-Biter
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India will face Australia in the WTC final [Source: AP]
In a significant turn of events, India sealed a berth in the World Test Championship final after New Zealand stunned Sri Lanka to record a memorable win in the first Test in Christchurch. For information, Australia had already entered the final, with India and Sri Lanka fighting for the remaining slot.
The Lankans needed a 2-0 whitewash over the BlackCaps to pip India and proceed to the finale. However, Kane Williamson held his nerves to pull off a heist, as New Zealand ensured a historic win, shattering Sri Lanka's hopes and benefitting their white-ball rivals, India.
Currently, Sri Lanka occupy the fourth position, while India sit just under Australia at the second place in the standings. Even if Sri Lanka win the next Test, they can't topple India in the standings.
Regarding the game, Sri Lanka posted a decent first-innings total of 355, which New Zealand surpassed by scoring 373, courtesy of Daryl Mitchell's batting masterclass.
Moving on to the second innings, Angelo Mathews' magnificent hundred powered the Lankans to 302, setting a 285-run target for the hosts. However, Williamson showcased his class and resilience, ensuring a miraculous victory for the BlackCaps.
Meanwhile, India are in a commanding position in the ongoing fourth Test against Australia in Ahmedabad. In response to Australia's 480, the hosts posted a gigantic total of 571 runs, thanks to spectacular centuries from Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill.
At the time of writing the report, Australia were 74 for one, with Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne batting on 46* and 22*, respectively.
After this series, India and Australia will again collide in the WTC final in Oval from June 7 to 11.
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