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New Zealand's tail made the difference in WTC Final, feels Kane Williamson

New Zealand outplayed India in the final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship in Southampton. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson in an interaction with India Today appreciated the contributions made by the tail and admitted that they were pretty valuable in such a low-scoring match. 

“Really important for us. When you have a low scoring game, the contributions from the tail become important and valuable. Small partnerships can make a big difference. They came out and played with a lot more freedom and looked to take the game on and get few quick runs. Those contributions were so valuable,” he said. 

While Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma only managed to get eight runs in the first innings, Tim Southee played a riveting knock for the Blackcaps and chipped in with a 46-ball 30 that included a couple of maximums. 

In fact, Trent Boult remained not out for 7 off 8 during the course as New Zealand scored 249 in reply to India’s 217 and took the first innings lead which eventually proved to be crucial. 

In the second innings again, the Indian tail didn’t really get much runs and it was only Shami who scored three boundaries before he was out for 13 off 10. India were bowled out for 170 and only managed to hand New Zealand a target of 139. 

The Kane Williamson-led side chased down the target by 8 wickets.

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Kyle Jamieson's attitude is an asset to the game: Kane Williamson

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It was all about getting the right balance: Williamson on playing Eng ahead of WTC Final

New Zealand were crowned champions of the inaugural World Test Championship after they defeated India in the final in Southampton. Chasing 139 in the second innings, New Zealand rode on captain Kane Williamson’s unbeaten half-century and Ross Taylor’s 47* to go over the line. The Blackcaps had played a two-match Test series ahead of the WTC final against England. In a conversation with India Today, Williamson was asked whether the series did help them get into the groove and the right-handed batsman said that it was all about finding the right balance ahead of the big game. “Look, it’s very hard to know what the best preparation is. India are competitive and a strong side. Having said that, we were trying to get the balance in the side because there were three Test matches in quick succession and we didn’t want our bowlers overdoing it in particular. The idea was to have a certain amount of cricket which is beneficial and keep the balance right. It was nice playing against England. They too are a very difficult side,” Williamson said. India were rattled by the New Zealand bowlers and were bundled out for 170 on the reserve day of the Test match. Tim Southee scalped a four-wicket haul while Trent Boult picked up three as the Indian team was thoroughly dominated by New Zealand. Earlier, India were bowled out for 217 in the first innings while the Kiwis took the lead before getting all out for 249. The Virat Kohli-led side will now play a five-match Test series against England in August away from home.

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