#OTD in 2021: New Zealand won the inaugural edition of World Test Championship

On this day in 2021, New Zealand secured the title of the maiden World Test Championship (WTC) cycle (2019-21) at Ageas Bowl, Southampton. Although Lord's was scheduled to host the match, the venue was changed due to the covid pandemic. 

The Indian team finished first in the points table with five series wins and 12 victories in 17 matches. On the other hand, New Zealand had three series victories, and had prevailed in seven of the 11 games, and sat at the second position to qualify for the WTC Final. 

The Day 1 of the WTC finals was washed out due to rain. On Day 2, Kane Williamson-led side elected to field first. 

The contributions from Rohit Sharma (34), Shubman Gill (28), Virat Kohli (44), and Ajinkya Rahane (49) paved the way for India to post a score of 217 on the board. Kyle Jamieson was the pick of the bowlers for the Kiwi team with five scalps. 

Then Devon Conway (54) and Kane Williamson (49) were the key run-scorers for New Zealand, with the team getting dismissed on 249 and taking the lead of 32 runs. Mohammed Shami picked four for India, while Ishant Sharma bowled well to dismiss three batters. 

In India's second innings, none of the batters looked comfortable at the crease against the talented seam attack of the New Zealand team. Rohit was impressive again to provide a good start with 30. Jamieson dismissed Kohli (13) with an edge to the keeper.

The valiant knock of Rishabh Pant (41) helped India to post 170 on the board on the Day 6 of the fixture. Tim Southee and Trent Boult had four and three scalps, respectively. 

A reserve day was used due to more than 100 overs lost due to rain on the first five days. 

Tom Latham (9) and Devon Conway (19) were dismissed early in a chase off Ashwin. But, the experienced duo of Ross Taylor and Williamson steered the team in fine fashion and had optimum time left to chase down the score. 

In the 46th over, the Kiwi team successfully chased the score, with Williamson and Ross Taylor remaining unbeaten at 52 and 47, respectively. 

Jamieson was adjudged Player of the Match for picking a total of seven wickets.